Please help identify iris species

I know ID has its own forum but I figured people on the iris forum were more suited to help with this one since it is an iris.

I bought this last year and now can't remember the species. I have a few I want to put on my trade list. If I get some suggestions I know I can then ID it.
It blooms the earliest of all my irises. It grows from a bulb. It is the height of a standard crocus. My reticulated irises bloom after this one.
Here is the pic...is snowed a tad the other day and that hasn't seemed to burn it. I am in zone 7b.

This message was edited Feb 15, 2012 9:32 AM

That seems to be a reticulated iris as well. Do you know if there was a name with it. Like all irises the position in the garden can make a difference. Is it near a building or rocks where it could get more warmth?

Yes it was named, if I can't figure it out, I can ask the guy at the nursery when they reopen. They are up near Pokomoke, MD about 1/2 hr away.

It is beside my steps but I have reticulated there as well and they have not bloomed.

there are different clones just like bearded irises. See if you can find reticulated irises listed in Plant Files.

Try Katharine Hodgkin

I thought of that & it does bloom earlier but this seems deeper in color than ours. worth a try, however.

What about - " a variety of reticulated irises called Natasha. They are a pale flower with blue stripes and a striking yellow patch." I found a picture and description of this iris on google 'reticulated irises' images.

#1 This is my emerging Kathrine Hogsn.
# 2 I ordered Natasha and planted it last fall.Natasha is lighter than KH

yes, definately not Natasha. KH has the dots as it is really a species cross.

Mine are just peeking .A month before I see a bloom. Love them in clumps. I like the light colors against the soil. I have some of the dark purples but cant see them from the house.

Katharine Hodgkin is a possibility. They are still in bloom and still no sign of my reticulata coming up. If they come up that much earlier then probably so. Will check for sure when I get back to the nursery.