Order summer-flowering Dutch iris bulbs, sold as 'specially prepared', for planting in March or April. These are excellent for cutting or for filling gaps in borders.
protect from the weather. Place cloches over Dutch irises planted in rows for cutting. This will secure only slightly earlier blooms but, being protected from the weather, they will be of better quality. Bear in mind the ultimate height of the particular variety you are growing. If necessary, be ready to raise the cloches on bricks or boards to give adequate height.
  Use a sheet of glass to make a roof over early-flowering irises in the rock garden. Alternatively, cover with a cloche. This will protect the fragile blooms from being beaten down and blown about in rough weather.
  Pick flowers of Iris unguicularis regularly.
Under glass
Give all bulbous in pots, except the Dutch, Spanish and English types, gentle warmth, but do not overheat them.