Iris germanica Mariposa Autumn

The 'Mariposa Autumn' German Iris is also known as the great reblooming bearded iris, due to its ability to produce two generous flowerings: the first in spring, and then the second in September-October, quite reliably. Each of its flowers, well-shaped and moderately undulate, displays violet-pink petals with a white centre, upright on white sepals bordered and speckled with the same tone, around a white beard dotted with violet. This variety requires slightly richer soil and should not lack water in late summer to promote reblooming. Its growth is vigorous, and it quickly forms beautiful clumps. Ideal for flower beds or slopes.

The 'Mariposa Autumn' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that grows from 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 at least half a day of full sun to flower well.

 'Mariposa Autumn' reaches 80 cm (32in) in height when in flower, it is a sturdy variety that better withstands rain and inclement weather. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, somewhat glaucous green, with parallel veins. This variety blooms at the beginning of the Tall Iris season. In April, floral stems appear that will produce flowers in early May, blooming from the top down towards the lower branches. If it does not lack water or nutrients, it will rebloom in late summer. The colour of this plant, as always with Bearded Irises, is enhanced by the texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Tasco, Richard, 1999.

Award: HM (Honourable Mention) in 2001, AM (Award of Merit) in 2003.

To complement 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 foot of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. Shorter and earlier varieties can of course be planted in the foreground.

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

Edge of a flowerbed: the domain of border irises naturally, but also dwarfs, depending on the circumstances.

Mixed border: the whole range of sizes can be used, chosen based on their 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 individual taste. The use of the entire range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of 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.