High Country Gardens
Katharine Hodgkin Specie Iris
Best low-maintenance spring bulb for gardeners seeking unique, deer-resistant floral color.
The Katharine Hodgkin Specie Iris is a distinctive early spring bloomer, reaching approximately 4 inches tall. This cultivar is celebrated for its uniquely colored flowers, featuring striped standards and blotched falls in shades of blue, white, yellow, and gray. Ideal for hardiness zones 3 through 9, these bulbs thrive when planted in the fall in rich, well-draining soil. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade in warmer climates. This variety is also recognized for its ease of growth, deer resistance, and suitability as cut flowers.
$8.24
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3088
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-65%
Below average
Mature Height
4.0
/ inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners craving the first signs of spring color
- Designers seeking unique, sophisticated early-season blooms
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting resilient, naturalizing plants
Who should skip it
- Gardeners looking for long-lasting floral displays
- Landscapers needing high-impact, tall focal points
- Planners wanting to avoid empty garden bed gaps
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Striking color patterns offer a sophisticated aesthetic for early spring gardens.
Hardiness Range
Broad adaptability across zones three through nine ensures reliable regional performance.
Maintenance Ease
Low-effort perennial growth makes this an ideal choice for casual gardeners.
Wildlife Deterrence
Natural deer resistance protects your floral investment from common garden pests.
Bloom Timing
Reliable early spring emergence provides much-needed color after winter dormancy.
Planting Versatility
Flexible light requirements allow for successful placement in varied garden microclimates.
Key Specs
Mature Height
4.0 inches
Flower Bulb Size
6 cm
Planting Depth
3.0 inches
Spacing
15.24 cm
Hardiness Zones
3-9
Ships As
Bulb, Rhizome, Tuber
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Flower Type
Iris
Features
- Unusual striped and blotched flowers
- Blooms early in spring
- Easy to grow and maintain
- Deer resistant
- Excellent for cut flowers
- Hardy in zones 3-9
- Thrives in full sun or partial shade
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the bulbs received, noting their robust size and health upon arrival. The primary delight centers on the reliability of the early spring bloom, often appearing even through late snow. This iris delivers significant aesthetic value, providing unique icy blue color when other garden plants are still dormant. Reviewers confirm this variety is a highly anticipated and dependable garden addition that performs exactly as promised, establishing quickly and returning faithfully each year.
Know before you buy
These bulbs should be planted in the fall. This allows them to establish their root systems during the cooler months before they bloom in early spring.
Plant each bulb at a depth of 3 inches. For the best visual impact and healthy growth, space them approximately 6 inches apart.
The Katharine Hodgkin Specie Iris is highly adaptable and hardy in zones 3 through 9. They are well-suited for a wide range of climates, from very cold northern regions to warmer southern areas.
No, this variety is recognized for being deer resistant. They are a great choice if you have frequent deer activity in your garden.
While they thrive in full sun, they are flexible. If you live in a warmer climate, they will tolerate partial shade quite well.
Yes, their unique coloring and early spring bloom time make them an excellent choice for cut flowers. Their compact 4-inch height is perfect for small, delicate tabletop vases.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$8