There is a quiet refinement to the Dutch iris that we find difficult to resist. Its flowers are simple in outline yet carry intricate markings and coloring when you look closely, and this mix spans light blue, yellow, white and shades of purple.

Unlike bearded iris, which grow from rhizomes, Dutch iris start from small bulbs, and they are easy to raise. Stems reach 18 to 24 inches, long enough for handsome cut flowers in a favorite vase. They perform well in rock gardens and naturalize readily.

For the strongest effect, plant them in large numbers, sorting by color for bold blocks or mixing freely for a more natural look. The 30-bulb set suits a bed or two; the 120-bulb set with a planting tool lets you try both. We expect the vase will rarely stand empty.