The Professor Blaauw Dutch iris is a highly acclaimed variety that produces dark, purple-blue flowers adorned with yellow spots on the lower petals. Its large, about 10 centimetre broad flowers sit atop strong stems and are surrounded by juicy green lanceolate leaves. This charming bulbous flowering plant grows 55 to 65 centimetres tall. This exceptionally decorative, easy-to-grow plant can be grown on the borders in the garden and for cut flower.

The Professor Blaauw iris requires a warm, sunny site that is also sheltered from wind. It prefers fertile, highly permeable soils that are rich in humus and have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Bulbous irises do not tolerate excess humidity of the soil and shaded sites. Their elongated bulbs that are covered with light scale should be planted in autumn from September to November. Planting iris bulbs in spring, in April and May, is also possible. Recommended planting depth is about 8 to 10 centimetres. Plant irises about 20 centimetres apart from each other. Cover the site with straw, dry leaves, conifer twigs, or tree bark for the winter. Despite its resistance to frost, iris can get damaged by low temperatures. Trim the flower stalk after the flower has wilted. Leave the leaves untrimmed to let them feed the bulb for the next season. You can remove them after they have turned yellow and the plant has entered dormancy stage.

Iris hollandica is an all-purpose plant that does not require much care from a gardener. It harmonizes with a large number of garden flower species. A tolerant and fuss-free Dutch iris is a plant that thrives in every garden style. Its subtle, light flowers perfectly fit onto central and peripheral parts of flower beds and lawns. It looks great planted in larger groups, in a colourful patch or a long row. The narrow, long, grass-like leaves wonderfully complement the flower stalks and allow to include irises in the majority of arrangements.

A single package contains 10 bulbs of the Professor Blaauw iris. Key plant facts and basic growing instructions can be found on the product label.

• Variety: Professor Blaauw
• Use: ornamental - flower beds, cut flower
• Growth form: erect
• Flower colour: purple-blue with yellow spots
• Vegetation form: perennial
• Foliage: narrow, long, grass-like
• Site: sunny, warm, sheltered; fertile, highly permeable soil, rich in humus, with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction
• Bulbs: 10
• Height: 55 to 65 cm
• Planting period: September - November or April - May
• Planting depth (cm): 8 to 10 cm
• Planting distance (cm): 20 cm
• Wintering in the ground: yes