Iris germanica Chelsea Bleu - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Chelsea Bleu' is a superbly contrasted and remarkably floriferous tall bearded iris variety, producing 10 buds per stem in mid-season. They open into large flowers in two shades of blue, a bright wisteria blue for the petals and a deep blue-violet for the falls with a velvety finish. The whole is animated by a pretty red-orange beard, forming like a small incandescent spot in the centre of this very blue flower. A high-class iris, flowering for several weeks in borders and rock gardens.

The 'Chelsea Bleu' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, with an upright clumping habit. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained for centuries, with a controversial origin debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins.

'Chelsea Bleu' is a tall variety, reaching 95cm (37in) in height when flowering, with a strong stem by rhizomes, bearing up to 10 flower buds, ensuring a long flowering period. The clump will spread very quickly, without theoretical limits over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped, glaucous green and highly veined leaves. In April, floral stems appear, which will give flowers in May, opening from the top to the lower branches. The colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, magnified by the texture of the light blue-mauve silk petals veined with dark blue in the centre, and the thought-blue velvet falls. Note that this flower is slightly scented. Mid-season re-bloomer.

Obtained by Cayeux, 2004. (Rebecca Perret x 88175A) x 9538A: (Bal Masque x 91187C)) X Local Color

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate based on their needs (exposure, soil...), non-competitive vegetation for their rhizomes (low-growing plants or plants with light foliage) and their complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gaura will cast little shade on irises and will keep the deflowered bed attractive throughout summer. Eschscholzia will tolerate a dry and poor soil, just like irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilized by a dense planting of vigorous old varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and easier access for care, you can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates, often very floriferous, which will be less likely to bend under wind or rain than tall varieties.

At the base of a very sunny wall, protected from the wind, tall irises can be used. They can be planted in the background of shorter and earlier varieties.

Border: the entire range can be used, from short early varieties to tall irises flowering in May, including intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but flower with the tall ones. Tall irises with heavy flowers are at risk of being flattened if not staked in windy areas.

Mass planting: border irises as well as dwarf irises can be used.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, in the front or back, depending on the size of neighbouring plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: A judicious choice allows for two and a half months of flowering in spring. Choosing "reblooming" irises offers some additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

The vegetable garden can accommodate some clumps of irises as it is also a place dedicated to the cultivation of cut flowers.