Small onion iris makes for nice color in the bed

Early bloomers defy the cold and awake spring fever

02/19/2015

Despite winter temperatures, the small onion iris with its colorful flowers in February ensures color in the garden and a feeling of spring. As the Federal Association of German Garden Friends e.V. (BDG) reported that also as „tresses“- or „dwarf Iris“ well-known plant a very special feature, because their flowering often comes before the leaves.

Protect bulbs from voles
Even in icy temperatures and gray winter weather, the small onion iris (Iris reticulata) adorns many beds as early as February, giving it a first impression of spring. However, according to the Federal Association of German Garden Friends e.V., it was a precondition for the early flowering of the blue-white-yellow splashes of color that the bulbs had not already been eaten by voles. However, as the rodents like them very much, the plants could, according to the association, be protected by grouping in wire baskets.

Flower shows up in front of the reed-like leaves
Hobby gardeners, who have planted the Small Onion Iris for the first time in their gardens this year, should not wonder about the particularity of the flower. Because in the case of the extreme early bloomer the flower develops first, while the long, angular leaves develop only during flowering or even later. Accordingly, the plant is initially only about 10 to 20 inches high, the reed-like leaves, however, could be much longer.

Even hyacinths and daffodils bloom in early spring
Who would like to plant the small representatives of the Iris (Irises), should also according to the magazine „garden Advisor“ choose a sheltered and warm place, as it is often found on the south side of the house. Since the first warm rays of the sun are reflected here already in February, the small onion-iris could already be in bloom by the end of the month. In addition, according to the BDG, the plant thrives best on a well drained, calcareous soil, as this, together with the sun, would most closely approximate the conditions in the Middle East - the home of the small iris. But not only the Little Iris provides with its colorful flowers in early spring for color and good mood in the garden. Even snowdrops, crocuses, hyacinths, daffodils and tulips drift as early bloomers in part already at the end of January, as soon as there are a few days a milder weather. (No)