Sunshine iris is one of the earliest bulb irises to bloom. In 2018, it started blooming here at the Chicago Botanic Garden on March 15. This cultivar is a modern cross between the blue Iris sophenensis and the yellow Iris danfordiae. The flowers are pure sunshine yellow and are smaller than most reticulata irises. It was introduced by hybridizer Alan McMurtrie. The reticulata group of irises are species that have fibrous netting surrounding the bulbs. Reticulata irises are easier to grow and hardier than the slightly larger Dutch iris. After the flowers wither, stiffly upright leaves follow, but the plants become dormant in summer, so keep track of where they are planted so they aren't damaged by summer plantings.