Iris germanica Joyful Skies

Iris germanica 'Joyful Skies' is a vigorous, floriferous variety of tall bearded iris with healthy foliage, bearing beautifully formed undulate flowers. Their colour is light delphinium blue, whiter in the centre of the sepals around creamy beards. The plant quickly forms beautiful clumps that will flower in spring in beds and rock gardens for several weeks.

'Joyful Skies' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant with an upright habit. 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. 'Joyful Skies' is a tall variety, reaching 90 cm (35in) in height when in bloom, with a solid floral stem supported by a rhizome, bearing numerous flower buds. The clump will spread 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, highly veined. In April the floral stems appear, which will produce 12-14 cm (5-6in) wide flowers blooming from the top down to the lower branches in May, more or less early depending on the climate. The pastel blue colouring of this plant is, as always with Bearded Irises, enhanced by the texture of the silky and iridescent petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner in 2005.

Awards: Honourable Mention in 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.

The vegetable garden can also be enhanced with a few clumps or borders of irises, as a place dedicated to growing cut flowers.