Dutch Iris [I. hollandica] are different from the other summer flowering Irises @Alfie_ ie- Bearded, Sibirica, Pseudocorus etc. They're the kind florists use, and just aren't tough and hardy like those types, which grow from a rhizome, not a bulb. They need much more specific conditions, like the little reticulatas, which is why they aren't as long lasting in most gardens. Most flowering bulbs can benefit from a feed as they die back, especially if they aren't a mature size when you buy them The reason I asked where you were was simply because of the timings. If you want bulbs like crocus, snowdrops etc, flowering in January, you need to be further south. We're around three to four weeks later up here. You'd probably be fine for those small ones in January where you are
I'd agree with @Buttercupdays and @Dovefromabove re your crocus @puschkinia. In a lawn, a mix usually looks better. Borders are generally more 'controlled', so you can plant colours in clumps to suit whatever is coming after them
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think iris retic are theoretically returning, perhaps in very sandy soils. We have discussed this on other threads and some mebers says the retic did come back for them. I have some planted in a sharp drained bed but they have never come back for me.
The various summer iris come back fine.
Sandy pebbly well-drained soil doesn't help me very much with I. reticulata. Some come back but fewer each year, and even the second year is nowhere near as good as the first. If you want a good show it's best to buy new ones. Or go with crocuses which are similar in size, tough as old boots, come back reliably and multiply over the years.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
It may be that the reticulatas, while needing well drained soil, also require adequate moisture to make enough growth for the following year. Well drained but not dry?
Thanks for all the advice people. I have done most of my bulb planting now. I’ve done some layering in pots and wanted advice on how to store these over winter. Looking online there’s a lot of different thoughts ranging from leaving them against the house to moving them into a garage and wrapping in bubble wrap. Wondered what people on here do once they have potted up their bulbs? Thanks
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They need much more specific conditions, like the little reticulatas, which is why they aren't as long lasting in most gardens.
Most flowering bulbs can benefit from a feed as they die back, especially if they aren't a mature size when you buy them
The reason I asked where you were was simply because of the timings. If you want bulbs like crocus, snowdrops etc, flowering in January, you need to be further south. We're around three to four weeks later up here. You'd probably be fine for those small ones in January where you are
I'd agree with @Buttercupdays and @Dovefromabove re your crocus @puschkinia. In a lawn, a mix usually looks better. Borders are generally more 'controlled', so you can plant colours in clumps to suit whatever is coming after them
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sandy pebbly well-drained soil doesn't help me very much with I. reticulata. Some come back but fewer each year, and even the second year is nowhere near as good as the first. If you want a good show it's best to buy new ones. Or go with crocuses which are similar in size, tough as old boots, come back reliably and multiply over the years.
Well drained but not dry?
This side looks ever so slightly pointy but not sure if these hairy bits are frayed tip or roots:
The other side does look a bit flatter so think this is the bottom: