Habitat: open, sunny places
Soil: well drained
Height: 8 cm
Flowering: early spring
Width: 5 cm
This species (with its hybrids) provides one of the delights of winter, the small blue flowers appearing usually in January, even on one memorable occasion on New Year's Day. The flowers are held not far above the ground, although the slender leaves elongate afterwards. The bulbs can continue to grow and flower for many years, even decades, slowly multiplying if the conditions suit them.
Iris histrio subsp. aintabensis is a variety of this dwarf species from southern Turkey. It has small, pale slatey blue flowers, splashed darker on the falls and with a yellow or orange ridge. It is reputed to be easier to grow than the species.
1 bulb £3.00