How to Grow Netted Iris 'Gordon'
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Netted Iris 'Gordon'
Iris reticulata 'Gordon'
flowerIris reticulata 'Gordon' is a dwarf bearded iris cultivar prized for its vibrant blue-purple flowers with distinctive netted (reticulated) patterns on the falls. This early spring bloomer typically reaches 10-15 inches tall and produces fragrant, delicate flowers that emerge from narrow, grass-like foliage. It is an excellent choice for rock gardens, containers, and front borders.
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Example Netted Iris 'Gordon' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Netted Iris 'Gordon'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Netted Iris 'Gordon' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Netted Iris 'Gordon' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler zones (3-7)
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Get my Netted Iris 'Gordon' timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy & Planting
3-4 monthsBulbs are planted in autumn (September-November). Bulbs remain underground, establishing roots in cool soil.
Plant in well-draining soil with gritty amendments. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent rot. Water after planting to settle soil.
Emergence & Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksNarrow, grass-like green foliage emerges in late winter to early spring. Leaves are long and slender with a distinctive reticulated pattern.
Keep soil moderately moist during this period. Avoid standing water. Remove any dead foliage from previous season.
Budding & Blooming
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear and develop, producing fragrant blue-purple flowers with darker veining and netted patterns on the falls (petals). Blooms are delicate and highly ornamental.
Support tall flowers if needed in windy locations. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage additional flowering. Protect from excessive rain.
Senescence & Foliage Maturation
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and fall. Foliage remains green and continues to photosynthesize to replenish bulb energy stores. Leaves yellow and die back naturally.
Allow foliage to remain green until naturally yellowed. Continue watering moderately. Do not cut foliage prematurely as bulbs need nutrients.
Summer Dormancy
4-5 monthsBulbs enter dormancy after foliage completely dies back. Bulbs rest underground, stored naturally in the soil.
Reduce watering significantly; allow soil to dry out. Do not disturb bulbs. Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected foliage promptly; excavate and destroy infested rhizomes; apply systemic insecticides in spring if history of infestation exists
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Hand-pick at dusk; use copper barriers or slug baits; encourage ground beetles and other natural predators
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Spray with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if heavy infestation occurs
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; discard heavily infected bulbs; treat healthy bulbs with fungicide before planting if rot history exists
Uses
Ornamental Cut Flowers
CulinaryThe fragrant, early spring blooms are prized for fresh flower arrangements and can be cut for indoor display. The delicate blue-purple flowers with distinctive netted patterns add unique color and texture to early spring bouquets. [source]
Early Pollinator Source
WildlifeIris reticulata 'Gordon' provides an early nectar and pollen source for emerging bees and other early spring pollinators when few other flowers are available. [source]
Rock Garden and Border Display
HouseholdThe dwarf habit and compact growth make this iris ideal for rock gardens, alpine troughs, edge plantings, and ornamental containers where early color is desired. [source]
Spring Garden Succession Planning
CraftThis early bloomer fills the spring garden color gap between late winter snowdrops and mid-spring daffodils, providing continuous early color and interest in designed plantings. [source]
Traditional Iris Root Uses
MedicinalWhile Iris reticulata is ornamental, the iris genus has been used in traditional herbalism and perfumery; iris rhizomes (especially I. germanica) contain compounds historically valued in folk medicine and fragrance. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when blooms are fully open. Leave some blooms on the plant to allow bulbs to recharge. Cut stems at an angle with a sharp knife. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water changed every 2-3 days. Do not remove foliage before it naturally yellows, as nutrients are needed for next year's blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'reticulata' refers to the fine net-like veining (reticulation) pattern visible on the falls of these iris flowers, which is distinctive to this species and its cultivars.
- 🌱 Iris reticulata 'Gordon' is one of the earliest iris species to bloom, often flowering in late winter to early spring while snow may still be present, making it a celebrated harbinger of spring.
- 🌱 These dwarf irises are native to the Caucasus region and mountainous areas of Asia Minor, where they grow in rocky, well-drained alpine meadows, explaining their preference for gritty, well-draining soil.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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