When it comes to late-winter jewels of the garden, Iris 'Katherine Hodgkin' is a priceless tiny treasure—this award-winning variety really hits the fascination mark, right down to the daintiest of details. With slender upright central petals and intricately marked falls, it’s every bit as flamboyant as a big summer iris, but in a beautiful miniature way that lights up the garden from late-winter onwards. Iris 'Katherine Hodgkin' feels most at home in an alpine or rockery setting, but also looks fantastic in pots, stone planters and borders. These lovely soft blue dwarf irises pop up at the same time as crocuses, and the two make wonderful partners, both enjoying a rocky or stony setting in full sun.

Despite its petite form and exquisite pastel blue flowers, Iris reticulata 'Katherine Hodgkin' is as tough as old boots and very reliable to grow – simply plant them in the autumn and leave them to it, they’ll provide a wonderful display from January to February each year.