{"product_id":"iris-reticulata-blue-planet-bulbs","title":"Iris reticulata 'Blue Planet' Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIris reticulata 'Blue Planet'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a beautiful dwarf spring iris producing elegant \u003cstrong\u003epastel-blue flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e with deeper blue detailing and a contrasting yellow flash on the falls. Compact and early flowering, it is an excellent bulb for rock gardens, gravel planting, the front of sunny borders and spring containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing to just 10-15cm tall, 'Blue Planet' provides colour close to ground level when relatively few other garden plants are in flower. Its delicate blooms emerge alongside narrow, upright foliage, creating a neat display that works particularly well when the bulbs are planted together in groups or informal drifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eIris reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Blue Planet'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reticulated Iris \/ Dwarf Iris\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulbous perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlower colour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pastel blue with yellow markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e February-March\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 10-15cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5-10cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fertile, very well-drained soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rock gardens, gravel gardens, borders and containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Iris reticulata 'Blue Planet'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIris reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the earliest groups of Iris to flower, often appearing while the garden is only beginning to emerge from winter. 'Blue Planet' is particularly attractive for its softer colouring, with flowers in delicate shades of powdery or pastel blue rather than the deeper violet-blue commonly associated with dwarf irises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe broad falls carry a vivid yellow signal surrounded by deeper blue markings, helping to emphasise the intricate structure of each flower. Upright standards rise above them, giving the blooms the unmistakable architectural form of an Iris despite their diminutive size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eEarly Spring Colour\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Blue Planet' usually flowers during \u003cstrong\u003eFebruary and March\u003c\/strong\u003e, depending on weather and local conditions. This early season makes it particularly valuable alongside crocuses, snowdrops, dwarf narcissi and other bulbs that provide colour before the main spring display begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough each plant is compact, a group of bulbs creates an impressive patch of blue. Planting ten or more together can produce a particularly effective display in a border or container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Iris 'Blue Planet'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a position in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun with excellent drainage\u003c\/strong\u003e. Reticulated irises naturally prefer conditions where the soil is moist during active spring growth but becomes relatively dry during summer dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRock gardens, raised beds and gravel gardens are particularly suitable. They can also be planted towards the front of sunny borders where their small flowers will not be hidden by taller plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Plant Iris reticulata Bulbs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant the bulbs in autumn approximately \u003cstrong\u003e8-10cm deep\u003c\/strong\u003e and around 5-10cm apart. Position each bulb with the pointed growing tip facing upwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the strongest visual impact, plant them in groups rather than individually. If your soil is heavy or prone to holding water, mix in horticultural grit before planting to improve drainage around the bulbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing 'Blue Planet' in Containers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe compact dimensions of 'Blue Planet' make it an excellent bulb for pots, troughs and alpine containers. Use a free-draining compost and ensure containers have unrestricted drainage holes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral bulbs can be planted relatively closely together to create a concentrated spring display. They combine particularly well with small crocuses, dwarf narcissi and other miniature spring bulbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIris reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Blue Planet' reaches approximately \u003cstrong\u003e10-15cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e when flowering, with individual plants spreading around \u003cstrong\u003e5-10cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. Established bulbs may gradually increase to form small clumps when grown in suitable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Flowering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter flowering, leave the narrow foliage in place and allow it to yellow and die back naturally. The leaves continue to feed the bulb and build up energy for the following year's flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the foliage has completely died back, the bulbs enter summer dormancy. A relatively dry resting period is beneficial and helps reduce the risk of the bulbs rotting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Iris reticulata 'Blue Planet'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelicate pastel-blue flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContrasting yellow markings on the falls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers very early in spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact height of only 10-15cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpread of approximately 5-10cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for rock and gravel gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for pots and alpine containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLooks particularly attractive planted in groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUseful for extending garden colour into late winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Iris 'Blue Planet' flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt typically flowers during February and March, although timing will vary depending on winter temperatures and local conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Iris reticulata 'Blue Planet' grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is a dwarf Iris reaching approximately 10-15cm tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is its spread?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIndividual plants occupy around 5-10cm, with established bulbs potentially forming small clumps over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere should I plant 'Blue Planet'?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nChoose a sunny position with very good drainage. Rock gardens, raised beds, gravel gardens and containers are all excellent choices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Iris 'Blue Planet' be grown in pots?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Its compact habit makes it particularly well suited to pots and troughs. Use free-draining compost and avoid allowing the container to remain waterlogged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow deep should I plant Iris reticulata bulbs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant the bulbs approximately 8-10cm deep with the pointed end facing upwards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I remove the leaves after flowering?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Allow the foliage to die back naturally so that it can replenish the bulbs for the following season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003esoft pastel-blue flowers, bright yellow detailing and compact early-flowering habit\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eIris reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Blue Planet' is a charming choice for bringing fresh colour to containers, rock gardens and sunny borders at the very beginning of spring.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373053956483,"sku":"JA-I4708x10","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Bulbs","offer_id":62373053989251,"sku":"JA-I4708x100","price":59.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000 Bulbs","offer_id":62373054022019,"sku":"JA-I4708x1000","price":559.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/Iris-Blue-Planet-Lievens-mutation-from-Joyce-2013-54-1-e1720774521197.webp?v=1790082411","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/iris-reticulata-blue-planet-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}