Iris reticulata

Iris reticulata

Native to:
Iran, Iraq, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Turkmenistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Iridaceae
Genus:
Iris
Species:
Iris reticulata
USDA Symbol:
IRRE3

Growth Characteristics

Height:
15 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
feb,mar,apr
Bloom Colors:
purple, blue, violet, yellow

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
gritty, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky slopes and open areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification and may germinate erratically over several months. Bulb propagation is more reliable than seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Use repeated cycles of 20°C, then 4°C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged. * sow fresh or soak old seed; prechill 4 weeks or place outdoors over winter and bring indoors once germinated to avoid temperature shock; transplant at 4 leaves

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society