This attractive bulbous plant is showing flower in the Mountains House.
The genus Iris contains approximately 300 bulbous, tuberous or rhizomatous species from the northern hemisphere, and many are suitable for cultivation. They are distinct in having three large reflex outer petals (falls); three smaller, erect, inner petals (standards); and three stamens. The bulbous species are usually small in comparison to the more familiar rhizomatous border species, and while some are easy to cultivate, such as the reticulate cultivars valuable for early colour in a border, others, such as I. bucharica, are more challenging. Growing to 30cm in height this species comes from central and western Asia, and has strappy, glossy foliage and delicate flowers with slender standards and falls, which vary in colour from pale lemon to golden yellow. It will grow in a sunny, well-drained site in the open garden, but is more reliable when pot grown in gritty compost, with protection from rain and excess water. I. bucharica sits within the Juno iris group, whose members are distinguished by their papery bulb tunics; thick, fleshy roots when dormant; channelled leaves; reduced standards; and ridged falls.