Iris danfordiae and Iris reticulata

(early dwarf irises)

These beautiful, and slightly scented irises flower very early, at what often feels like otherwise the low point of the year. Both are dwarf plants and best in pots - maybe on a windowsill so you can see them without having to go outside into the winter cold.

Iris danfordiae is an incredibly pure lemon yellow with greenish markings. Iris reticulata, slightly later flowering, has that intense royal purple, sent into higher realms of purpleness (like my prose) by a contrasting yellow stripe and the markings around it.