Iris pumila Yellow - Dwarf bearded Iris

This Iris pumila is a lovely dwarf form with yellow flowers that blooms in rocky lawns in central Europe and Asia. This plant blooms early, usually in April. Its swollen and fragrant flowers are large in comparison to the height of the plant. This variety quickly forms beautiful, colourful clumps, perfect for creating a beautiful spring decoration in rock gardens, borders, and on large banks. 

Iris pumila is a rhizomatous perennial plant of the Iridaceae family. It is commonly called dwarf iris, just like its close relative I. lutescens. Abundant on the Eurasian steppes, I. pumila can be found in Austria, the Balkans, Greece, Romania, Turkey, Armenia, Ukraine, and as far south as Siberia. It has given rise to numerous horticultural cultivars through hybridisation, classified in the category of Lilliputs or Rock Iris. 

Starting in spring, Iris pumila forms small upright clumps. Its foliage is deciduous and absent in winter. The plant will reach 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in height when in bloom, and the clump will spread without a theoretical limit over time, with the centre rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of thin, long, sword-shaped leaves, with a slightly glaucous green colour. In March, floral stems appear that will bloom in April-May, earlier or later depending on the climate. The floral stems usually bear a solitary flower at their tip. The flower consists of three large sepals and three smaller petals. Wild populations of I. pumila show a wide variety of colours. 

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.

Rock gardens, rocky and dry meadows, and stony banks: perfect for dwarf irises.

Path border: the entire range can be used, from early dwarfs less than 40cm (16in) tall, to tall irises over 75cm (30in) tall blooming in May, including intermediate-sized (in terms of height and earliness) and medium-sized border irises that bloom with the tall ones. Tall irises are at risk of being flattened by the wind if not staked.

Flower bed: the domain of border irises, but also of dwarf irises.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, chosen according to the position (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.