Iris germanica Burst - Bearded Iris

The 'Burst' German Iris is a large garden iris that is quite rare in commerce, appreciated for its pleasantly fragrant flowering in particularly warm tones. The entire flower, petals and sepals, is strongly tinged with coppery red on a dark yellow background. Pretty mustard yellow beards complete the harmony of colours. This is a variety that will not go unnoticed in spring flower beds!

The 'Burst' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops in clumps from spring, elegantly upright, with its foliage disappearing in winter. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with its controversial origin being discussed around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins. They are plants that thrive in limestone soils and require ample sunlight for their rhizomes to 'cook' in summer in order to bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

 'Burst' will reach 90cm (35in) in height when in bloom, with several buds per stem. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sabre-shaped leaves, slightly glaucous green, with parallel veins. In April, floral stems appear, which will produce well-distributed flowers on the stems in mid-May, blooming from the top to the lower branches. The yellow and red colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, enhanced by the iridescent texture of the copper-veined yellow petals, erect, and the heavily coloured red brick sepals towards the throat. It is worth noting that the flower has a pleasant sweet fragrance.

Obtained by Blyth in 1993.

To accompany irises, choose companion plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" growth habit 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 iris bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzia will tolerate dry soil in summer, just like irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also pair well with irises. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilized by dense plantings of old diploid varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, modern varieties can be chosen, such as intermediates that are less likely to be literally flattened by wind and rain than tall varieties.

At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. Of course, shorter and early-flowering varieties can be planted in the foreground.

Path border: the realm of dwarf early irises under 40cm (16in), up to intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, medium-sized but flowering with the tall ones.

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

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, chosen according to the space (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: the paradise of the iris enthusiast, where the choice of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflects each individual's taste. The use of the entire range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of so-called remontant irises offers additional flowers in late summer or autumn, depending on the climate.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises, as it is also the classic place for the family cultivation of cut flowers.