Katharine Hodgkin Dwarf Iris Bulbs (Pack of 10)

Iris histrioides ‘Katharine Hodgkin’

Celebrate the earliest signs of spring with the exquisite charm of Katharine Hodgkin Dwarf Iris Bulbs. These delicate yet resilient blooms offer a dazzling display of pale blue petals etched with intricate, darker veining and a soft lemon-yellow throat. Their unique beauty and petite stature make them perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers, especially when you’re seeking color in late winter to early spring. As one of the most prized dwarf iris cultivars, it is a must-have for collectors and new gardeners alike.

• USDA Zones: 2–10
• Bloom Time: Early Spring
• Height: 6–8"
• Planting depth/Spacing: 3"/1–2"
• Deer Resistant: Yes

To learn more about the iris’s upkeep and maintenance, please visit our blogs and videos below.

It is famous for its rare and sophisticated coloring, combining icy blue and yellow hues with delicate patterning that gives each bloom an almost hand-painted appearance. These dwarf iris bulbs naturalize well in the garden, returning each year with more vibrant and abundant flowers—an early-season joy when few other plants are awake.

Key Characteristics and Benefits of Katharine Hodgkin Iris

• Exceptional Early Bloom: One of the first flowers to emerge, brightening the garden after winter's dormancy.
• Compact and Elegant: Perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts early-season pollinators like bees when food sources are scarce.
• Deer Resistant: Naturally resistant to deer and rodents.
• Low Maintenance: Hardy, drought-tolerant, and long-lived with minimal upkeep.

Growing Katharine Hodgkin Dwarf Iris Bulbs

Katharine Hodgkin dwarf irises bloom very early in spring, sometimes even through the snow, and are perfect for the front of garden beds or paired with taller bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

Climate and Soil Requirements

They thrive in USDA zones 2–10 with sandy or loamy, well-drained soil, and should be kept away from areas prone to winter waterlogging to prevent rot.

Planting Time and Depth

Plant bulbs in fall about 6–8 weeks before the first hard frost, 3 inches deep and 1–2 inches apart, in small groups for a naturalized effect.

Sunlight and Watering

They prefer full sun to partial shade, especially afternoon-filtered light in hotter regions, and need minimal watering once established.

Care and Maintenance

Let foliage die back naturally to nourish the bulbs, and only divide clumps after several years if they become overcrowded.

For comprehensive bulb planting tips, visit our full Flower Bulb Growing Guide.

Design Ideas and Landscape Uses

Plant Katharine Hodgkin irises in clusters at the front of borders, along paths, or in rock gardens where their detailed blooms can be admired up close; they also thrive under deciduous trees or in spring containers with other small bulbs.

Pairing with Other Spring Bulbs

Combine them with early bloomers like snowdrops and crocus, then layer in mid- and late-spring bulbs such as hyacinths and tulips to extend your garden's color and interest throughout the season.

Shop now and discover why gardeners across the country choose Grow Organic for their flower bulb needs. Explore even more seasonal color with our Annual Flower Seeds Collection for a vibrant spring-to-summer garden display.