Iris were always in the gardens that my Mom created. They were her favorite flower. And of course she was quite fond of the many shades of purple. Today is her birthday and I’m thinking fondly of those purple iris that pleased her so much.

These iris are growing in one of my gardens. They’re a native, Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata). A bit unusual, not tall and stately like so many of the European and Asian varieties. But growing just 3 to 6 inches tall, with a flower that is 2 to 3 inches wide. They’re said to have fragrant blooms, though I haven’t noticed any fragrance. But then I am not often that close to the ground. I’m going to have to take notice the next time they are in bloom.

Around the world there are perhaps 280 species of irises, and most of those are native to Europe and Asia. Here in the United States there are just 28 species of iris that are native.

Looking forward to spring when they’re in bloom, so I can check on the fragrance of these beautiful little flowers.

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