Iris pumila Smell the Roses - Dwarf bearded Iris

Iris pumila 'Smell the Roses' is aptly named. It is a dwarf iris with a violet flowering that exhales a pronounced sweet scent reminiscent of roses. Like other dwarf irises, it blooms early in spring, but this variety also offers a second generous flowering in late summer. It is a particularly vigorous and prolific variety, ideal for rockeries, planters, borders, and large embankments.

Iris pumila 'Smell the Roses' is a small rhizomatous perennial plant from the Iridaceae family. It belongs to a horticultural group called SDB (Standard Dwarf Bearded). In this group, there are hybrids between I. pumila, which is truly dwarf, and garden irises. Of modest size, dwarf irises bloom before the tall irises, but after the true dwarf irises.

From spring onwards, Iris pumila 'Smell the Roses' forms small upright clumps. Its foliage is deciduous, absent in winter. The plant reaches a height of 33cm (13in) when in bloom, and the clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the centre rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, in a somewhat glaucous green. In March, short flower stems appear that will bloom in April, earlier or later depending on the climate. The flower stems often bear 2 to 3 flowers. Each flower, measuring 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in), consists of 3 petals of a medium violet-blue, and 3 sepals of a deeper rosy violet showing a lighter violet area around the beard. The beard is a slightly powdery medium violet-blue. Vigorous reblooming occurs in September.

It was obtained by Monty Byers, 1987 - Awards: Honourable Mention in 1990, Award of Merit in 1994.

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil), their "respectful" growth with irises (low plants or light foliage), and their complementary style (appearance, flowering date). For example, gauras will provide little shade and keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout summer. Eschscholzia will be satisfied with dry and poor soil, just like the iris. Geraniums, salvias, and libertia also accompany irises very well. A dense planting of old diploid varieties will stabilise embankments and patio edges. The plants can remain in place and require little care.

For rockeries, stony and dry meadows, limestone plateaus, rocky embankments, and green roofs: use the full range of irises. Border edges are the domain of border irises, but also of dwarf irises!