Reticulated Iris 'Harmony': Early Spring Jewel

Reticulated Iris 'Harmony' (Iris reticulata 'Harmony') is a delightful dwarf iris that blooms in very early spring, often pushing through snow. It belongs to the Reticulata group, known for their netted (reticulated) bulb tunics and early, jewel-like flowers.

Early Spring Jewel

'Harmony' produces exquisite, fragrant flowers in a stunning shade of deep royal blue with a contrasting yellow and white mark on the falls. The blooms are 2 to 3 inches across, borne on very short stems (4 to 6 inches) above narrow, grass-like leaves that elongate after flowering. The effect is a carpet of intense blue jewels in late winter to early spring.

Bulb Culture

Unlike rhizomatous irises, reticulatas grow from small bulbs. Plant bulbs in fall, 3 to 4 inches deep and 3 inches apart, in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. They are perfect for rock gardens, troughs, front of borders, and naturalizing in grass. They require a dry summer dormancy. 'Harmony' is one of the most reliable and widely grown reticulata cultivars.

Species Background

Iris reticulata is native to the Caucasus, Turkey, and Iran. 'Harmony' is a selected clone prized for its intense color and vigor. It has been a garden staple for decades, heralding the arrival of spring.