Rainbows in the Spring II
Spring has arrived; officially. We know that it will arrive, eventually…Except for snowdrops and few early crocus not much is moving.
Few of the newly planted Iris reticulata hybrids have started to flower though (protected at times with a light fleece). They are early and certainly a bit affected by the weather.
All the result of hard working Canadian Iris breeder Alan McMurtrie; learn more about them on his website: http://www.reticulatas.com/
Iris reticulata ‘Chameleon’ (a slight mistake with the bulbs apparently)
There is hope that more of his wonderful hybrids will became available in Canada. They are all hardy, cheerful signs of spring and even slightly fragrant; the ‘North Star’ is very fragrant!
Iris reticulata ‘North Star’
And, close your eyes and imagine sea waves rolling gently towards the shoreline.
Iris reticulata ‘Sea Breeze’
There will be more :)
* The related post I wrote a few years ago (see below), explains the title – Rainbows in the spring.
Where did you get the Iris? They are beautiful and his website is so much fun. It reads a bit like an adventure
Sea Breeze is electric isn’t it
I love these little iris, they pass all too soon. It would be very very difficult to pick a favourite ……
Alan had few bulbs for sale in late fall Inger. But last year I got White Caucasus from the ORGS wholesale bulbs orders and saw
Eye Catcher at a Garden Centre. So, slowly they will became more available.
Yes, they are all very nice. I also have others older reticulatas cultivars; they are very useful here after long winters.
Besides snowdrops, Crocus and Eranthis is not much else here that blooms so early Gill. It is cold so they will stay in flower
for quite long :)