Iris germanica Irisades

The 'Irisades' German Iris brings something new to the Tall Bearded Iris. Firstly for the shape of its flower, with its almost horizontal sepals, but also because of the extremely bright pattern that seems to radiate from the centre of the corolla. A small area of bright yellow around the orange beards gives this flower, in which white dominates amethyst, a radiant and cheerful character that really stands out in spring borders. This early variety quickly forms well-flowered clumps. Its elegant flower stalks bear flowers without heaviness, and are distributed in a very harmonious way.

The 'Irisades' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops in spring in elegantly upright clumps, with its foliage disappearing in winter. It 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. They are plants that thrive in calcareous soils and require ample sunlight, with their rhizomes needing to 'bake' in summer to bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

'Irisades' will reach 90 cm (35in) in height when in flower, with numerous buds per stem. The clump will spread indefintiely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, a slightly glaucous green, traversed by parallel veins. In April floral stems appear that will produce beautiful tricoloured flowers in May, opening from the top down towards the lower branches. They consist of 3 cream-white, undulated petals, with very light lavender edges, dominating 3 white sepals widely bordered with amethyst, about 1.5 cm (1in) wide. The orange beards are surrounded by bright yellow. The colouring of this plant is, as always with Bearded Irises, magnified by the thick and iridescent texture of the floral parts.

Obtained by Cayeux, 2008.

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.

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

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

Edge of a flowerbed: naturally the domain of border irises, but also dwarf varieties, 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 the iris enthusiast where the choice of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflects personal taste. The use of the full range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of so-called reblooming irises offers a few 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 the classic place for growing cut flowers.