Iris germanica Delicato

The Iris germanica 'Delicato' is a variety of tall bearded iris that is not widely cultivated despite its robustness and lovely colour. The plant offers large, delicate flowers with petals that are just slightly pinkish-white, dominating sepals in old rose or flaming pink, bordered with white. The beards are mandarin orange with white tips. Rather stocky, among the first to bloom, 'Delicato' will quickly form beautiful flowering clumps in sunny borders.

The 'Delicato' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps. Its deciduous foliage disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. This plant belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with debate about their disputed origins revolving around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins.

The 'Delicato' Iris will reach a height of 80-85 cm (32-34in) when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branched stem with several flower buds. The clump will spread very quickly and indefinitely over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long, sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, strongly veined. In April floral stems appear which will bloom in April-May, at the beginning of the tall iris season, with flowers opening from the top down towards the lower branches. The colour of the flowers is, as always with Bearded Irises, enhanced by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner in 1972 - Award: Honourable mention in 1974

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (sunlight, soil), their "respectful" growth habit vis-a-vis irises (low-growing plants or light foliage), and how they complement each other visually (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gauras will cast little shade and will keep the bed attractive throughout summer once the irises have flowered. California Poppies (Eschscholzia), like irises, will be satisfied with dry and poor soil. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised 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 one can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates that are less likely than tall varieties to be knocked over by wind and rain.

Tall irises can be used at the foot of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind. They can be planted in the background behind shorter and earlier varieties. The vegetable garden can host a few clumps of irises, as a place dedicated to growing cut flowers.