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Iris – Bulbs

Iris bulbs: Dutch iris and dwarf iris for cutting, gardens and pots

Bulbous irises include two groups: the Dutch iris (Iris hollandica), an important cut flower that flowers outdoors in May and June, and the dwarf iris (Iris reticulata and I. danfordiae), one of the first flowers of the year in February and March. Both are planted in autumn and are hardy. For irises as perennials, such as bearded iris, see Iris – perennials.

Uses

Cut flowers: the Dutch iris is one of the most important cut flowers worldwide, with straight stems and bright colours.
Gardens and rock gardens: dwarf irises for early colour in rock gardens, edges and among crocuses; Dutch irises among perennials.
Pots and retail: dwarf irises are popular pot plants in early spring and feature in many spring mixes.
Public green spaces: dwarf irises naturalise in sunny, well-drained spots.

Professional cultivation: cut iris under glass and in the open field

The Dutch iris is grown in the open field and under glass. With prepared bulbs, cut iris can be produced almost all year round. Harvest when the flower bud shows colour. The bulbs need a dry dormant period; soil that is too wet causes rot.

We advise on cultivar choice, size and planning. Read more about professional growing.

Our iris bulb range

Dutch irises such as Symphony, Purple Sensation, Silvery Beauty, Bronze Beauty, Bronze Queen and White Excelsior, also in blue, white and mixed; dwarf irises (Iris reticulata) such as Harmony, Katharine Hodgkin, Frozen Planet, Clairette, Gordon, J.S. Dijt and Purple Gem, and the yellow Iris danfordiae.

Flowering time by group

Group	Flowering (NL)	Height (approx.)	Examples
Dwarf iris (I. reticulata)	February – March	10–15 cm	Harmony, Katharine Hodgkin
Dutch iris, single colours	May – June	50–70 cm	Purple Sensation, White Excelsior
Dutch iris, bicoloured	May – June	50–70 cm	Symphony, Silvery Beauty

Key facts

Planting season	September – December
Planting depth	dwarf iris approx. 5–8 cm; Dutch iris approx. 10 cm
Bulbs per m²	dwarf iris: borders approx. 100, public green spaces approx. 40
Flowering	dwarf iris February – March; Dutch iris May – June
Position	full sun, well-drained soil; dry during the dormant period
Hardiness	hardy
Toxicity	the bulbs are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate the skin

View all irises in the webshop. Business customers see prices after logging in. Our current catalogues are on the Downloads page. For a quotation, please contact us.