Iris germanica Blenheim Royal - Bearded Iris

The 'Blenheim Royal' German Iris, also known as the grand garden iris, offers a combination of shape and colour of rare perfection: its wavy floral parts are entirely uniform, with an intense medium blue colour, very deep, with purple and silky reflections. The flower stems are strong and well-branched, ensuring a long flowering period in mid-season. Not only are they beautiful, but their flowers also emit a sweet lily-of-the-valley fragrance. This is a variety that lacks nothing. Its growth is vigorous, and it quickly forms beautiful clumps. Ideal for borders and sunny slopes.

The 'Blenheim Royal' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant that, starting from spring, has an upright clumping habit. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with a controversial origin that revolves around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins. 'Bleinheim Royal' is a large variety that will reach a height of 95cm (37in) when in bloom, with three strong stems per rhizome, each carrying 6 to 7 buds. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer ones. It has a majestic upright habit with dense clumps. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped, glaucous green and highly veined leaves. In April, floral stems appear, which will give rise to flowers in May, blooming from the top down to the lower branches. The colour of this plant, as always with Garden Irises, is magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals. It should be noted that the flowers are also particularly fragrant.

Obtained by Schreiner, 1990.

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" growth habits towards irises (low-growing or light-foliaged plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gaura plants will provide little shade to irises and will keep the deflowered iris bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzia plants will thrive in dry and poor soil, just like irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia plants also pair well with irises. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilized by dense planting of old diploid varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible, choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates, which are less likely than tall varieties to be knocked over.

At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. They can also be planted in the foreground of shorter and earlier varieties.

Border: the entire range of irises can be used, from early dwarfs under 40cm (16in), to tall irises over 75cm (30in) that bloom in May, including intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but bloom with the tall ones. Tall irises are at risk of being knocked over if not staked in windy areas.

Mass planting along a border: the domain of border irises, but also dwarfs, depending on the circumstances.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, chosen based on the position (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: the paradise of iris enthusiasts, where the choice and arrangement of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflect each individual's taste. The use of all bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of so-called remontant irises offers some additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

The vegetable garden can be embellished with a few clumps or borders of irises, as it is also a classic location for growing flowers for cutting.