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Dutch Iris Casablanca

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Dutch Iris ‘Casablanca’ (Iris × hollandica) – A timeless addition to elevate your garden! Showcasing pristine white blooms with soft yellow accents atop graceful, sword-like foliage, this elegant Dutch Iris thrives in cool to subtropical climates. Versatile and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for full sun to partial shade and can be planted in beds, borders, containers, or among perennials and shrubs for a layered, dynamic effect. ‘Casablanca’ also makes an exceptional cut flower, bringing sophistication to your floral arrangements. A standout choice for a stunning spring display!

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Description

Dutch Iris Casablanca

Dutch Iris ‘Casablanca’ (Iris × hollandica) is a hardy bulbous perennial from the Iridaceae family, known for its striking white flowers and elegant, slender foliage. Native to the Mediterranean, this variety has been developed to provide reliable and beautiful spring blooms. ‘Casablanca’ features elegant blooms with a subtle yellow base, adding a touch of sophistication to any garden. While not fragrant, its vibrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting the health and biodiversity of your garden. Blooming in late spring, ‘Casablanca’ offers a burst of colour as other plants begin to flourish. Low-maintenance and versatile, it’s perfect for gardens of all sizes, whether in beds, borders, or containers.

Benefits of Growing Dutch Irises:

  • Easy to Grow: Suitable for gardeners of all levels due to their low-maintenance needs.
  • Versatile: Perfect for garden beds, pots, and containers, adaptable to various settings.
  • Naturalising: These flowers multiply and return year after year in suitable climates.
  • Great Cut Flowers: Excellent for floral arrangements, with blooms lasting 5-7 days.
  • Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.

Suitable Climates Across Australia
Dutch Irises are highly adaptable and can be grown in cool to subtropical climates. They thrive in cool to temperate regions, flourishing with protection from frost during their initial planting period. Once established, they are frost-tolerant and continue to thrive year after year. In warmer climates, store bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated room to maintain dormancy until planting time.

When to Plant

  • Best Planting Time: Autumn is the best time to plant Dutch Iris bulbs across all climates. Plant when the soil has cooled sufficiently but before winter to help settle the bulbs in before spring.

How to Plant

  • Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade, ensuring the plants receive at least six hours of daily sunlight. In warmer climates, provide partial shade to protect the plants and shelter from strong winds.
  • Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral. Amend heavy soils with organic matter to improve drainage.
  • Planting Depth and Spacing: Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep, spaced 10-15 cm apart, with the pointed end facing up.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Only water again once foliage appears.

Aftercare

  • Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, especially in dry spells, but avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Once the plant begins to die back in summer, reduce watering and stop once it enters dormancy.
  • Mulching: Apply a light mulch layer to help retain moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weed growth.
  • Fertilising: Use blood and bone fertiliser at planting or, if soil is poor, apply when foliage emerges.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage new flowers and prevent seed formation, which directs energy back to the bulb.
  • Trimming: Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering to help the bulb store nutrients for the next season.

Division

Dutch Irises can be left undisturbed for years, but they should be lifted if summers are particularly wet to prevent bulb rot.

Pests and Diseases
Dutch Irises are relatively pest- and disease-resistant but may encounter some issues:

  • Slugs and Snails: Can damage young foliage. Use organic repellents or beer traps to control them.
  • Aphids: Spray with insecticidal soap or use natural predators like ladybugs.
  • Fungal Diseases: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues like Botrytis blight.
  • Bulb Rot: Prevent by planting in well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering.

Caution: Harmful if eaten
Dutch Irises are mildly toxic if ingested. Keep them out of reach of pets and children. The bulbs contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Always wear gloves when handling the bulbs to avoid skin irritation. If ingestion occurs, seek medical attention promptly.

Supplied as dormant bulbs.

Additional information

Price Code

B – Aqua Pack
Botanical Name

Iris × hollandica
Quantity in Pack

5 Bulbs
Flowering Time

Late Spring
Planting Time

Plant from March onwards
Growing Height

50-70 cm
Planting Depth

Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep. In warmer climates, it’s recommended to plant at a depth of around 15 cm to keep the bulbs cool and protect them from excessive heat.
Soil

Use well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Enrich poor soils by incorporating organic matter or well-aged manure.
How to Plant

Choose a location with full sun or partial shade, providing afternoon shade in warmer climates to protect them from excessive heat. Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep, opting for 15 cm in warmer regions, and space them 10-15 cm apart with the pointed end facing up. In pots, they can be planted slightly closer but still need enough space to grow. A 15 cm pot comfortably fits 4 bulbs. Cover the bulbs with soil and water thoroughly to settle them.
Optional but beneficial: Add a light layer of mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching also provides extra protection for bulbs during temperature extremes.
Watering

After planting, only water when foliage begins to emerge. During the growing season, water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid bulb rot. Once the foliage starts to yellow, gradually reduce watering and stop completely once it has died back. In warmer climates, water sparingly during dormancy to prevent the bulbs from drying out. In wet climates, it's best to lift the bulbs and store them until replanting in autumn.
Fertilise

Apply blood and bone fertiliser before planting. In poor soils, reapply after the foliage has emerged.
Pruning

Dutch Irises require minimal pruning. Remove spent blooms by cutting them close to the base of the flower while leaving the foliage intact. Allow the foliage to naturally wither, as it helps the bulbs store energy for the next season. Once the foliage has completely died back, cut it at the base and clear away any dead material.

Dutch Irises can remain undisturbed for years but should be divided if overcrowding reduces blooms. In late summer to early autumn, lift bulbs carefully, separate offsets, and discard damaged ones. In wet summers, store bulbs in a cool, dry place to prevent rot. In humid subtropical regions, treat them as annuals as they require a cold period before their growing season, and the climate increases the risk of fungal issues. For those storing bulbs, replant in autumn and follow the planting guide for best results.
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