Danford Iris, Dwarf Iris (Iris danfordiae)

Danford iris (Iris danfordiae), also called dwarf iris or buttercup iris, is a tiny, early-blooming bulbous iris native to Turkey. A member of the Iridaceae family, it's one of the first flowers to appear in late winter.

Description

Bulbous perennial 4–6 inches tall. Leaves are narrow, quadrangular, appear after flowers. Single flower per stem: bright buttercup-yellow, 1.5 inches, with tiny brown freckles on falls. Blooms very early (January–March). Fragrant. Goes dormant by late spring.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 5–9.
• Light: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Very well-drained, gritty, alkaline. Dry summer dormancy essential.
• Water: Winter/spring moisture; dry summer.
• Planting: Plant bulbs 3–4 inches deep, 3 inches apart in fall.

Care & Maintenance

Allow foliage to die back. No summer water. Fertilize fall. Bulbs often split into many small bulblets—replant largest. Naturalizes slowly.

Uses

Rock gardens, alpine troughs, front of borders, containers, forced indoors. Earliest iris.

Potential Issues

Bulb rot in wet soil. Ink spot disease. Bulblets may take years to bloom. Generally tough.

A tiny, sunny yellow jewel that heralds the end of winter.