Iris (Iris reticulata 'Gordon')

Overview

Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ is a highly valued early spring bloomer, belonging to the species commonly known as reticulated iris or early bulbous iris. This low-growing bulb brings bursts of vibrant color when little else is flowering, often coinciding with snowdrops and early crocuses. Gardeners prize Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ for its striking appearance and minimal upkeep requirements once established.

These Iris bulbs produce flowers featuring blue standards and violet falls accented with a distinct yellow-orange blotch edged in white. Growing only up to six inches tall, ‘Gordon’ provides excellent early-season horizontal contrast. While often treated as an annual for consistent results, this perennial bulb fulfills its life cycle quickly, disappearing into dormancy by late spring.

For optimal performance, ensure the soil drains well, as bulbs need dry summer conditions to properly set next year’s buds. The fragrance of Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ adds another sensory dimension to the early garden landscape, making it a cheerful sight after long winter months.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Iridaceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.75 ft
  • Spread: 0-0.25 ft
• Bloom Time: March to April
• Bloom Description: Blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ bulbs should occur in the fall, allowing the chilling period necessary for spring flowering. Choose a location receiving full sun to light, dappled shade where the soil is average, medium, and extremely well-drained. Plant the bulbs relatively deep, about 3 to 4 inches, and space them 3 to 4 inches apart to allow room for natural separation.

Care during the growing season requires medium water, but the most critical cultural requirement involves the summer dormancy period. Soil must remain relatively dry during the summer months; excessive moisture then can prevent the Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ bulbs from successfully setting buds for the following year. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary if the soil is adequate.

After the foliage yellow and dies back following blooming, resist the urge to tidy immediately; allow the leaves to photosynthesize fully before they disappear naturally. Bulbs divided from offsets take several years to reach mature blooming size. If vigorous flowering declines substantially, you may choose to treat the planting as an annual display and plant fresh Iris bulbs each autumn.

Landscape Uses

Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ is ideally suited for mass plantings to maximize its early color impact, as small groups can easily become lost in the garden. They excel as border fronts, tucked into sunny rock gardens, or used along the edges of paved walks or water features where their low stature won’t obscure views. Because they are small, fragrant, and bloom early, they are also excellent candidates for forcing indoors in containers during late winter.

Since this Iris fades quickly after blooming, companion planting is key to hiding the lingering, sometimes untidy, foliage. Pair them with early-emerging perennials or spring annuals, such as pansies, or early blooming forget-me-nots, that will fill in the space once the Iris foliage senesces. The early bloom time of Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ makes it a perfect partner for many spring ephemerals.

Use these bulbs liberally across the landscape to create ribbons of blue color that transition beautifully into mid-spring displays. Whether you plant them in drifts or use them as punctuation marks near entryways, the early appearance of Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ provides an unmatched visual lift.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Iris reticulata, commonly called reticulated iris, is a bulbous perennial iris native to regions including Turkey and Iran. It emerges early, producing striking, 2.5-inch purple flowers with gold crests and white streaks on the falls atop naked stems, often reaching 6-8 inches tall. The plant gets its genus name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, while the specific epithet references the netted pattern visible on the dry bulbs of Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought

Potential Problems

Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ generally exhibits strong pest and disease resistance, meaning serious issues are infrequent. The primary disease concern gardeners might encounter is Fusarium basal rot, which is not common but can affect bulb health. This fungal disease thrives in overly wet, poorly drained soils, especially when combined with warm, moist summers.

To prevent issues, adhere strictly to the cultural requirements: ensure exceptional soil drainage and practice summer dry-out periods. If you suspect rot, avoid planting Iris bulbs in the same location for several seasons, as the fungus can persist in the soil. Proper planting depth and spacing also help prevent physical damage that can invite pathogens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Iris suitable for?

Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ is suitable for USDA Zones 5 through 9. We strongly advise checking your local zone compatibility before planting your bulbs in the fall.

How large does Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ grow?

At maturity, the height of Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ ranges from 0.25 to 0.75 feet (3 to 9 inches), with a relatively narrow spread of 0 to 0.25 feet.

When does Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ bloom?

This beautiful bulb typically blooms quite early in the season, producing flowers from March into April. The bloom color is described as blue, often presenting as intense violet tones.

What sun exposure does Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ need?

For the best flowering display from your Iris bulbs, provide full sun, although they can tolerate light or part shade conditions if necessary.

Conclusion

Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ delivers exceptional early-season impact with its vibrant, fragrant blue flowers, making it a must-have for winter-weary gardeners. This low-profile Iris requires surprisingly little maintenance once established, provided you respect its need for dry summer dormancy. Plan your fall planting now to ensure you are rewarded with the first bright colors in your garden next spring.

Companion Planting

Selecting effective companions for Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ revolves around visually masking the dying foliage immediately after bloom. Choose other spring ephemerals that emerge slightly later, such as Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) or various early Daffodils, whose leaves mature later in the season. These partners will grow up and over the yellowing leaves of the Iris, maintaining a tidy appearance until late spring cleanup.

When positioning for sun exposure, remember that these bulbs prefer the maximum sun available early in the season. This means planting them near deciduous shrubs or trees that leaf out late is beneficial; the Iris thrives in the spring sun before the tree canopy closes overhead and creates cooling summer shade.

Propagation Tips

While propagation by division is possible by digging up and separating the offsets (bulblets) after flowering, this process often delays the new bulblets from blooming for several years. The cultural notes suggest it is often easier to maintain vigorous flowering in Iris reticulata ‘Gordon’ by simply planting fresh, new bulbs every fall. This method bypasses the lag period inherent in dividing offsets.

If you choose to divide very mature clumps, do so only after flowering has significantly declined or ceased entirely. Ensure the resulting bulblets are planted immediately back into the garden space at the recommended 3-4 inch depth to maximize their chances of survival and maturation for future seasons.