Iris germanica Magnetisme

Iris germanica 'Magnetisme' is an excellent variety of bearded iris in every way: the plant offers long-lasting, beautifully coloured flowering, as well as vigorous growth. The range of colours found on the flower is fascinating, with petals that are barely blue, velvety violet sepals with surprising brilliance, and almost red beards. It is a mid-season variety. Tall irises, with their remarkable sobriety, are excellent perennials for slopes and dry terrain.

The 'Magnetisme' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops in elegant clumps from spring, with 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 plenty of sunlight, with their rhizomes needing to 'cook' in summer in order to bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is traditionally required.

'Magnetisme' is a medium-sized variety, reaching a height of 85 cm (34in) when in bloom. Its lower-branched floral stems bears numerous flower buds. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, with a slightly glaucous green colour and parallel veins. In April floral stems appear, giving way to beautiful-sized flowers in May, with an ideal shape and undulating form, opening from the top down towards the lower branches. They consist of 3 upright petals in shades of blue to sky blue, 3 almost horizontal sepals in a manganese violet colour with amaranth shoulders and pale mauve borders, 3 long beards in a rust colour, 3 pale mauve styles tipped with amber, and 3 stamens. The colouring of this plant is enhanced, as always with Bearded Irises, by the thick and velvety texture of the floral parts.

Obtained by Cayeux, 2011. (('Volute' x 'Conjuration') X 'Fabuleux')

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 the place dedicated to growing cut flowers.