Gardener Alan Titchmarsh admits to an impulse purchase of bulbs, expressing no regret about the splurge
In the heart of autumn, renowned gardener, writer, and broadcaster, Alan Titchmarsh, ordered dwarf iris bulbs and potted them in terracotta pans. These compact gems, known for their early spring blooming and intricate markings, were about to bring a burst of colour to his garden.
Hailing from the Eastern Mediterranean and nearby regions, **Iris reticulata** and **Iris histrioides** are members of the reticulated iris group. Iris reticulata, native primarily to Russia, the Caucasus, and Northern Persia, can grow up to 8 inches tall, while the diminutive I. histrioides, also known as the "netted iris," found in Asia Minor, Turkey, and N.W. Persia (now Iran), typically reaches between 1.5 inches to 4 inches in height.
These species have been widely cultivated and hybridized, resulting in garden varieties with a spectrum of colours, from palest sapphire to deepest cobalt, often adorned with intricate markings on the falls. One such hybrid is 'Katharine Hodgkin', a pale blue iris etched with dark blue and blotched with yellow, which still thrives in the garden where it was planted more than 20 years ago.
By late November, slender translucent spikes of growth began to emerge from the compost, marking the start of the irises' growth cycle. As the winter months passed, the dwarf iris bulbs resembled miniature versions of London's Shard, standing tall and resilient against the cold.
By December, the narrow leaves of the dwarf iris extended as the flowers began to fade, preparing for the next season's bloom. Robust dwarf iris varieties may spread over the years but take time to reach flowering size once more.
Many dwarf iris varieties can grow in well-drained soil at the front of a border in the UK. Planting the bulbs 3 inches apart in holes 3 inches deep ensures a beautiful display of these spring bloomers.
'Katharine Hodgkin', a hybrid between Iris winogradowii and I. histrioides, raised by E. B. Anderson in 1958, is a testament to the horticultural importance of these species. Leaving those who see it for the first time in awe of its beauty, this hybrid is reportedly the only place in Britain where it is established outside cultivation.
As Alan Titchmarsh waits for the spring bloom, he reflects on the concept of 'the postponement of gratification', understanding that the beauty of the dwarf iris lies not just in its vibrant display but also in the anticipation and patience required to enjoy it.
In the garden setting, Alan Titchmarsh's choice of dwarf iris bulbs from the home-and-garden section, such as Iris reticulata and Iris histrioides, promises to enrich his lifestyle with their early spring blooming and their spectrum of colours, even as he practices patience through the winter months. With varieties like 'Katharine Hodgkin', a splendid hybrid from the reticulated iris group, these compact gems continue to add value to his garden, demonstrating the enduring beauty of gardening.
