The Essential Guide To The Dutch Iris
Botanical Name: Iris x hollandica
Common name: Dutch Iris
General Knowledge: The Dutch iris, often noted for its strikingly elegant and bold coloured petals, actually originates from Spain and Portugal, despite the name suggesting a Dutch heritage. In Australia, this iris variety is popular in floral arrangements and gardens for its sophisticated appearance and as a symbol of hope and eloquence. A fun fact about the Dutch iris is that it is typically divided into two groups, bulbous and rhizomatous, and unlike many other bulbous irises, it does not have a fragrance, which makes it uniquely attractive to those who seek beauty without the accompaniment of scent.
Colour range: The Dutch Iris comes in white, yellow, blue, and purple. All these varieties have a characteristic yellow throat, offering a striking contrast.
Australian seasonal availability: The natural flowering season for the Dutch Iris is spring. However, commercial growers have innovated their techniques by chilling the bulbs, enabling the production of these flowers from autumn to late spring. During summer, the iris might be sourced from Tasmania, but it's essential to note that their vase life tends to be shorter in hotter weather.
Australian wedding and event season availability: Given their extended availability from autumn to late spring, Dutch Iris can be a choice for events throughout this period. However, their delicate nature may not make them the first choice for summer events or weddings.
If commercially grown in Australia: Yes, thanks to commercial growers who use chilled bulbs to extend the growing season.
Buying tips: For the best quality, purchase the iris when 1–2 cm of the flower's colour is visible as it emerges from the green sheath. It's advisable to avoid purchasing if the outer sheath of the flower bud is dry or if any spots appear on the foliage.
Design tips and advice: Dutch Irises are best suited as line and focal flowers in floral designs. They look splendid in bowl arrangements, bunches, and presentation bouquets. It's crucial to ensure enough space for the blooms to fully open if used in line arrangements. While they add beauty to many designs, they might not be ideal for wedding bouquets due to their tendency to damage and break easily.
Flower maturity: Purchase when the colour is beginning to show, ensuring the freshest blooms.
Expected vase life: The Dutch Iris typically lasts between 3 to 7 days in a vase, depending on the conditions and care.
Typical stem length: These elegant flowers have a stem length ranging from 45 to 60 cm.
Typical bunch size: A standard bunch would contain 10 stems.
Floral preservatives to use: Using floral preservatives is recommended for prolonging the Dutch Iris's vase life.
Ethylene sensitivity: Dutch Iris does exhibit sensitivity to ethylene, though the degree can vary with different cultivars.
Temperature requirements: For optimal freshness, store them at temperatures between 2–4 °C. For non-storing temperature requirements, keep Dutch Irises in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
How to avoid potential problems: For best results, frequently recut the stems, especially 2–3 cm off the white section, and place them in clean room-temperature water with added flower food. To ensure straight stems, store the bunches upright wrapped in butcher’s paper. A crucial tip is not to combine them with Narcissus (like daffodils and jonquils) unless the Narcissus has been conditioned separately for over 6 hours. The sap from Narcissus can harm other flowers, including the iris.
Cooling and cool rooms: Storing at 2–4 °C ensures the longest vase life.
Hydration and vase solutions: Keeping the flowers hydrated in room-temperature water with added flower food helps in prolonging their life.
Care of ethylene sensitive products: Given their ethylene sensitivity, it's essential to keep Dutch Iris away from fruits and other ethylene-producing sources.