Although the primary focus of the Dwarf Iris Society is miniature dwarf bearded (MDB) irises, we also encourage interest in all types of small irises.
Reticulata irises grow from bulbs rather than rhizomes. They are the first to bloom in the spring, blooming a more than a month before bearded irises in most climates. Bulbs of most cultivars are inexpensive and can be planted in quantity for the best possible display.
The preeminent modern hybridizer of reticulata irises is Alan McMurtrie of Toronto, Canada. Visit his website http://www.reticulatas.com/ to see his latest magnificent hybrids.
(Kroon, 1990)
photo: Christian Geoffroy
(Bowles, 1914)
photo: Tom Waters
(Van Tubergen)
photo: Tom Waters
triploid clone in cultivation
photo: Tom Waters
(McMurtrie, 2016)
photo: Tom Waters
(Elder)
photo: Tom Waters
(Van Tubergen)
photo: Tom Waters
(Dijt)
photo: Tom Waters
(Anderson, 1960)
photo: Tom Waters
(Van Lierop, 2015)
photo: Tom Waters
(Van Eeden, 1973)
photo: Tom Waters
(Van Lierop, 2015)
photo: Tom Waters
(Kroon, 2001)
photo: Donita McDonald
(Van Tubergen)
photo: Tom Waters
photo: Alexander Naumenko
Reticulata irises were included in the 2020-2021 DIS symposium. Participants were asked to rate each iris they were familiar with on a scale of 1 to 5. Click on the name of an iris to view its page in the AIS Iris Encyclopedia.
| rank | cultivar | number of ratings | average rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pixie (Kroon, 2001) | 1 | 5.0 |
| 1 | Purple Gem (Van Tubergen) | 1 | 5.0 |
| 1 | Rhapsody (Kroon, 2011) | 2 | 5.0 |
| 4 | I. danfordiae cult. | 3 | 4.7 |
| 4 | Eye Catcher (McMurtrie, 2016) | 3 | 4.7 |
| 4 | Harmony (Van Tubergen) | 6 | 4.7 |
| 7 | Katharine Hodgkin (Anderson, 1960) | 7 | 4.6 |
| 8 | Carolina (Van Lierop, 2012) | 1 | 4.0 |
| 8 | Frank Elder (Elder) | 1 | 4.0 |
| 8 | George (Eeden, 1973) | 2 | 4.0 |
| 8 | Painted Lady (Van Lierop, 2015) | 2 | 4.0 |
| 8 | Scent-sational (McMurtrie, 2009) | 1 | 4.0 |
| 13 | J. S. Dijt (Dijt) | 3 | 3.7 |
| 14 | Katharines Gold (Van Lierop, 2015) | 2 | 3.5 |
| 14 | Natascha (Van Eeden, 1973) | 2 | 3.5 |
| 14 | Spot On (McMurtrie, 2009) | 2 | 3.5 |
| 17 | Sea Breeze (McMurtrie, 2009) | 1 | 3.0 |
| 17 | Splish Splash (McMurtrie, 2009) | 1 | 3.0 |
| 19 | Cantab (Bowles, 1914) | 2 | 2.0 |
| 19 | Lady Beatrix Stanley (Stanley, 1930) | 1 | 2.0 |
| 19 | White Caucasus (McMurtrie, 2003) | 1 | 2.0 |
| 22 | Alida (Kroon, 1990) | 1 | 1.0 |