Dutch Treat

"Dutch treat" is a term used to mean that each party will pay their own way.  I have been having a different kind of dutch treat in my garden this year - my dutch irises have been really putting on a show!  Specifically, Iris x hollandica 'Blue Pearl' has been holding me spellbound.

These beautiful dutch irises are such a deep purple, I would classify them as a royal blue.  The yellow is an unexpected detail to this flower that elevates it to show-off status.

A couple of plants in my garden are playing "dutch treat" with my dutch irises this year.  Separately, they each pay their own way - beautiful and striking, great contributions to the garden.  But combined with the dutch irises, these plants make a composition that is truly mesmerizing.

Here, I have Blue Pearl growing with the white rose, 'Iceberg'.

This perfectly white rose looks lovely next to the dark blue of the irises.  The yellow on the iris, instead of competing, compliments the white rose perfectly.  It's a crisp combination.



It also partners perfectly with coreopsis.

Here, the yellow is the dominant color, with the blue being the accent.

Blue Pearl grows in zones 4 through 9 to a height of about 2 ft.  Grown from bulbs, you need to plant them in fall for an enchanting spring pleasure.  Like the crocus, another spring joy, dutch iris may not bloom as long as you would wish, but while they are blooming, you will be thrilled.