Iris 'Sunshine' syn. Iris reticulata 'Sunshine'

Ideally the Iris plant would need to be planted in a sunny spot so that it can receive at least six hours of sun a day as well as being planted in well drained but moist soil. They do well near water but should be at least 6 inches above water level. Avoid hoeing around the base of the plants as the roots are near the surface and easily damaged. Plenty of mulch can help avoid weed growth around them, although rhizomatous varieties should not be mulched, as this could rot the rhizomes.

As the genus is complex, the flowering characteristics vary greatly however, as a generalisation, Iris blooms start to appear during spring and depending on variety, may be evident throughout the summer and into autumn.

Split the irises every year, immediately after flowering has ended. At this point the early summer leaves and flower stems have started to die back, and the late summer leaves have started to grow. Split individual plants with a light spade, leaving the part to be retained undisturbed in the soil. Remove about 30-50% of the total plant mass. The aim is to leave plants about the size that would fit under an A5 sheet of paper. After splitting, cut back the early-summer leaves on the remaining plants, and cut or break off the flower stems. Finally, top-dress the plants.

Reticulate irises can be propagated by lifting the bulbs in late Summer or early Autumn and dividing the bulbs, then replanting, either in pots or in the desired flowering position in the border or on the rockery.

Plant bulbs in Autumn, making sure the top of the bulb is a good 3-4" below the level of the soil. Plant in soil that drains well. If the soil is not free-draining, add grit and compost below the bulb, to aid drainage. Bulbs can be planted 4" to 5" apart to let the bulbs naturalise, or closer together in pots in groups of odd numbers (e.g. 3, 5, 7 etc.). However, bulbs planted more closer together will need to be divided sooner to allow bulbs the space to grow and maintain flowering size.

Reticulate Irises flower earlier than other types of iris, and most varieties will flower from late Winter to mid Spring