‘Alida’ flowers very early, generally in late winter or early spring depending on climate and exposure. Its small pale blue blooms can appear when few other plants are flowering, making it an excellent bulb for starting the garden season.
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Flowering bulb
Iridaceae
Dwarf iris (Iris reticulata ‘Alida’)
Iris reticulata ‘Alida’
Dwarf iris ‘Alida’ produces very early pale blue flowers delicately marked with white, deeper blue and yellow. Reaching only 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in), it is ideal for rock gardens, low borders, containers and naturalizing.
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness
Zones 5 to 9
Difficulty level
Easy
Discover the plant
Family
Iridaceae
Type
Flowering bulb
Cycle
Bulbous perennial
Dwarf iris (Iris reticulata ‘Alida’) is a small, very early-flowering bulbous perennial reaching approximately 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) tall. Its pale blue to lavender-blue flowers appear in late winter or very early spring, often before the rest of the garden is fully active. The falls are marked with white, deeper blue detailing and a vivid yellow signal that emphasizes their delicate patterning. Narrow, upright foliage accompanies the compact flowers. Well suited to small spaces, this cultivar can gradually form attractive colonies when planted in sharply drained soil and allowed to remain undisturbed through its seasonal growth and summer dormancy.
This cultivar prefers full sun to partial shade and light, sandy or gravelly soil that is moderately fertile and exceptionally well drained. In Quebec, plant the bulbs in fall, ideally from August to October, 50 to 80 mm deep and 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) apart. Water lightly after planting, then very moderately during active growth because the bulbs do not tolerate prolonged standing moisture. After flowering, allow the leaves to yellow and dry naturally so they can rebuild the reserves needed for the following season. This small iris is well suited to naturalizing where the soil remains free draining, particularly through its summer dormant period.
Its compact size and early bloom make this plant an excellent choice for rock gardens, low borders, the front of beds, alpine gardens and spring containers. Planted in groups, it forms a bright display of pale blue flowers at a time when relatively few other plants are blooming. It combines beautifully with species crocuses, snowdrops, early grape hyacinths and other small early-season bulbs. The flowers may provide an early resource for bees and other insects whenever temperatures permit activity. Like other irises, this plant is not edible and ingestion may be harmful, particularly to dogs and cats. This product is offered by Van Noort.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Space 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) apart
Best planting time
August to October, before the ground freezes
Propagation
Division of bulb offsets
Growing method
Plant the bulbs in fall in light, sandy or gravelly, sharply drained soil. Set them 50 to 80 mm deep with the pointed end upward, spacing them 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) apart. Water lightly after planting, then only when the soil dries during active growth. Grow in full sun or partial shade. After flowering, retain all foliage until it yellows naturally, then allow the bulbs to rest in relatively dry soil through their summer dormant period.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Hardiness zone
Zones 5 to 9
Minimum temperature
Approximately -29 °C
Watering
Low to moderate during active growth; low after flowering
Soil type
Light, sandy or gravelly and sharply drained soil
Fertilization
No fertilizer required in fertile soil; light spring feeding in containers
Seasonal care
In fall, plant the bulbs in light, sharply drained soil before the ground freezes, then water lightly to ensure good soil contact. In late winter and early spring, monitor moisture without keeping the soil saturated. Flowering occurs very early and requires little intervention. Remove faded blooms if desired, but always allow the leaves to continue growing after flowering. Wait until they yellow and dry naturally before cutting them back. During summer, when the bulbs are dormant, reduce watering substantially. Established clumps can be divided after the foliage has dried when they become overly crowded and flowering begins to decline.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
Pot at least 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) in diameter
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Pale blue to lavender-blue, white, deep blue and yellow
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom period
Late winter to early spring
Maximum height
15 cm (6 in)
Maximum width
10 cm (4 in)
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Species crocuses, snowdrops, early grape hyacinths and small spring bulbs
Avoid planting with
Plants requiring constantly moist or waterlogged soil
Rock gardens, low borders, naturalizing, alpine gardens and containers
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Plant the bulbs approximately 50 to 80 mm deep with the pointed end facing upward and space them 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) apart. Light, loose, sharply drained soil is especially important to prevent the small bulbs from remaining excessively wet.
Yes. In a sunny or lightly shaded location with excellent drainage, the bulbs can produce offsets and gradually form larger clumps. To encourage naturalizing, always allow the foliage to yellow completely after flowering and avoid excessive watering during the bulbs’ summer dormancy.
Yes. Its compact habit is very well suited to small pots, bowls and window boxes. Use a container at least 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) in diameter with excellent drainage, a light potting mix and a bright location. Water moderately and avoid standing water.
No. Irises are considered harmful to dogs and cats when ingested, with the underground parts presenting particular concern. Keep bulbs out of reach during planting and prevent pets from digging them up or chewing the foliage and flowers.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer
Deer
