We're offering you a up to 60 Iris Katharine Hodgkin Bulbs for £6.99, saving you up to 30% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £9.99 (correct as of 02.09.2025).

Winter Beauty Bulbs

Add a burst of colour to your winter garden with Iris 'Katharine Hodgkin', a captivating dwarf iris renowned for its intricate pale blue petals streaked with deep blue veins and flashes of orange. This hardy perennial is a member of the Iridaceae family, bred from Iris histrioides and Iris winogradowii, combining unique beauty with proven garden performance.

Why Choose Iris Katharine Hodgkin?

• Dazzling Early Blooms: Enjoy vibrant flowers from February through March, when few other plants are in flower.
• Compact Growth: Reaches just 10–15cm (4–6 inches) in height—ideal for rockeries, containers, or edging paths.
• Award-Winning Reliability: Holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit for exceptional garden worthiness.
• Unique Colouration: Each petal features delicate blue veining and bright orange markings that stand out even on grey days.

Planting & Care Guide

• Planting Time: Best planted in autumn (September–November) before the ground freezes.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; amend heavy clay with grit or sand to improve drainage.
• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial shade—perfect beneath deciduous trees or shrubs.
• Caring Tips: Water after planting and during dry spells. Once established, these bulbs require minimal care. Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering to feed next year's blooms.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK (USDA zones 5–9); no winter protection needed in most regions.
• Mature Size: Grows to approximately 10–15cm tall and wide.

Design Ideas & Companion Plants

• Create stunning displays by planting en masse at the front of borders or weaving through alpine beds.
• Combine with snowdrops (Galanthus), crocuses, or miniature daffodils (Narcissus) for a layered early-spring effect.
• Add to patio pots or window boxes for easy viewing during the colder months.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant Iris Katharine Hodgkin bulbs?
  The ideal time is autumn (September–November), before the first hard frosts arrive.
• How long do they flower?
  You can expect blooms from late February through March—lasting around 2–3 weeks depending on weather conditions.
• What type of soil do they prefer?
  Iris Katharine Hodgkin thrives in well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged areas and improve drainage if needed by adding grit or sand.