Name:  Iris reticulata

Type of Plant:  This is one of the first spring bulbs to bloom, often in flower at the same time as crocus but just before the daffodils. The flowers are about six inches tall, and the foliage goes dormant in early summer. This Iris is hardy in zones 5 to 9.

Why I love this: The color is the first thing to admire about this plant, plus the fact that it appears when we are hungry for signs of spring. It has a sweet scent, should you get close enough, and spreads from year to year.

I got my bulbs from my friends at EcoTulips, and I’m so glad to have them in my garden. If you want to plant them too, buy and plant the bulbs in the fall.

A Word to the Wise:  This plant needs relatively dry soil in the summer in order to set flower buds for the next year, so don’t plant this where you have automatic irrigation that goes off frequently.

Who can resist this true blue color? This plant will make you smile even if spring isn’t coming fast enough to suit you.

Even the dog is curious about this plant.