{"product_id":"iris-reticulata-painted-lady-bulbs","title":"Iris reticulata 'Painted Lady' Bulbs","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIris reticulata 'Painted Lady'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a delicate dwarf iris with elegant \u003cstrong\u003epale blue flowers highlighted by contrasting deep blue and yellow markings\u003c\/strong\u003e on the falls. Flowering very early in the year, sometimes from January onwards in mild conditions, it is a superb bulb for bringing colour to the garden while winter is still giving way to spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing to just 10-15cm tall, 'Painted Lady' is ideal for rock gardens, gravel beds, alpine troughs, pots and the front of sunny borders. Its refined colouring gives it a particularly light, fresh appearance, while the intricate markings reward close inspection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eIris reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Painted Lady'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dwarf Iris \/ Reticulated 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 Pale blue with dark blue and yellow markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering time:\u003c\/strong\u003e January-April\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, containers and border fronts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Iris reticulata 'Painted Lady'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIris reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e cultivars are among the earliest irises to flower, often emerging while much of the garden is still dormant. 'Painted Lady' is particularly attractive for its soft, almost icy blue flowers, which are given extra definition by darker blue markings and a vivid yellow signal on the falls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers rise above narrow, upright foliage and have the classic Iris form in miniature. Their soft colouring makes them particularly effective in winter and early spring light, where they can be enjoyed alongside crocuses, snowdrops and other early bulbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eVery Early Spring Flowers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Painted Lady' can begin flowering from \u003cstrong\u003eearly January in favourable conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e, with blooms continuing through the late winter and early spring period. Depending on weather and location, flowering may extend into March or April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis long potential flowering window makes it especially valuable for gardeners looking to add interest before the main spring display begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Iris 'Painted Lady'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a \u003cstrong\u003esunny position with excellent drainage\u003c\/strong\u003e. Reticulated irises perform best where the soil is moist while they are actively growing but does not remain wet during their dormant period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRock gardens, gravel gardens, raised beds and alpine troughs are especially suitable. They also work beautifully at the front of a sunny border, where their small flowers will remain visible rather than being hidden by larger 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 the pointed tip upwards and cover with free-draining soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the strongest effect, plant several bulbs together in groups or informal drifts. In heavier soil, adding horticultural grit around the planting area will improve drainage and reduce the risk of bulbs rotting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing 'Painted Lady' in Containers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Painted Lady' is an excellent choice for pots and containers because of its compact size. Several bulbs can be planted together in a shallow pot or trough to create a concentrated display of pale blue flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUse a free-draining compost and make sure the container has adequate drainage holes. Pots can be positioned in a bright, sunny place where the flowers can be viewed at close range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeight and Spread\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIris reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Painted Lady' reaches approximately \u003cstrong\u003e10-15cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e when flowering, with an individual spread of around \u003cstrong\u003e5-10cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. Over time, established bulbs may gradually increase to form small clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Flowering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnce flowering has finished, leave the slender foliage in place and allow it to yellow and die back naturally. The leaves continue to feed the bulb and help build up reserves for the following year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the foliage has disappeared, the bulbs enter summer dormancy. A relatively dry resting period is beneficial and helps maintain healthy bulbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Grow Iris reticulata 'Painted Lady'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElegant pale blue flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContrasting dark blue and yellow markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan flower from very early in the year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact height of 10-15cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpread of approximately 5-10cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent for sunny, well-drained positions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for rock gardens and alpine troughs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerfect for pots and containers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLooks superb planted in groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does Iris reticulata 'Painted Lady' flower?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt can begin flowering as early as January in mild conditions and may continue through February and March, sometimes into April depending on the weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does Iris 'Painted Lady' grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is a compact 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 spread around 5-10cm, although bulbs can gradually increase to form small clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat colour are the flowers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe blooms are pale blue with contrasting darker blue markings and a bright yellow signal on the falls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes Iris 'Painted Lady' prefer sun or shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFull sun is best. Good light encourages strong flowering and helps keep the soil conditions suitable for the bulbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I grow 'Painted Lady' in pots?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Its compact size makes it particularly well suited to pots, troughs and alpine containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow deep should I plant the bulbs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlant the bulbs around 8-10cm deep, spacing them approximately 5-10cm apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I remove the foliage after flowering?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Allow the foliage to die back naturally so it can continue feeding the bulb for the following season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003esoft blue colouring, intricate dark markings and exceptionally early flowering habit\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eIris reticulata\u003c\/em\u003e 'Painted Lady' is a charming choice for brightening sunny borders, pots and rock gardens at the start of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jacques Amand","offers":[{"title":"10 Bulbs","offer_id":62373054054787,"sku":"JA-I4749x10","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Bulbs","offer_id":62373054087555,"sku":"JA-I4749x100","price":47.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1000 Bulbs","offer_id":62373054120323,"sku":"JA-I4749x1000","price":439.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0108\/3418\/2207\/files\/Iris-Painted-Lady_9915-3-e1624972898557.jpg?v=1790083196","url":"https:\/\/gardenwildlife.com\/products\/iris-reticulata-painted-lady-bulbs","provider":"Garden Wildlife","version":"1.0","type":"link"}