Iris reticulata Alida - Netted iris

The Iris reticulata 'Alida' is a variety of reticulated iris with a very fresh colour, featuring flowers of remarkable delicacy in shades of blue-purple, ultramarine, white, and intense yellow. It is also distinguished by its early flowering, which can occur as early as February, at the same time as that of botanical crocuses. It is a true gem for rock gardens and a valuable plant for dry soils. In humid climates, it will thrive when grown in a pot, allowing for a closer view of its flowering.

The Iris reticulata 'Alida' is a bulbous plant belonging to the iris family. Reticulated irises grow spontaneously in alpine meadows and rocky habitats (on limestone and gneiss soils) at altitudes between 1000 and 2500 meters. They can be found throughout the Caucasus, from Georgia to Iran. This 'Alida' variety forms a small, upright, and spreading tuft, reaching 12-15 cm (5-6in) in height when in flower. The plant can spread indefinitely through the production of bulblets. Flowering occurs at the end of winter, when the days begin to lengthen, usually in February-March. The solitary flowers, measuring 8 cm (3in) in diameter, are relatively large compared to the size of the plant. They consist of 3 female floral parts, called styles, which have transformed into very narrow and spatulate petals that stand upright. Their colour is blue-purple, darker at the base. Below this trio of petaloid styles, 3 horizontal sepals are arranged in a staggered pattern. Wider, they are convex and illuminated by a beautiful yellow spot bordered by white and ultramarine blue. Each flower is enclosed at the base by two scale-like bracts, which are purplish green. The foliage, short during flowering, elongates afterwards. The basal leaves are glaucous green, quadrangular in section, and sheathing at the base. They are deciduous and disappear in summer.

The reticulated iris 'Alida' is perfect for rock gardens, borders, raised beds, or even to decorate temporary flowering pots, which can be brought indoors to fully enjoy its fragrance. It pairs well with iris pumila, botanical crocuses, Anemone blanda, or Algerian iris. Allow the bulbs to naturalize in well-drained soil, and after a few years, they will form lovely clumps that herald the return of spring. This plant experiences cold and snowy winters in its native range, as well as hot and dry summers. Therefore, it can easily be grown in mountainous and rocky gardens or in a dry garden.