Iris germanica Mary Frances

Iris germanica 'Mary Frances' is an excellent variety of tall garden iris, quite old but still unmatched for its floriferousness and the delicacy of its huge lavender flowers with a delightful fragrance. Each stem bears up to 12 very undulate large flowers, of a pearly mauve-blue barely touched with white on the sepals, around a yellow beard sprinkled with white. The plant, with its beautiful vigour, quickly forms lovely clumps that will bloom for several weeks in May in flowerbeds and rock gardens.

'Mary Frances' is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, with an upright clumping habit. It belongs to the family Iridaceae. 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. 'Mary Frances' is a tall variety, reaching 95 cm (37in) in height when in bloom, with a strong stem supported by a rhizome, carrying numerous 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 cordate leaves, glaucous green and heavily veined. In April floral stems appear that will give rise in May, in the middle of the tall iris season, to 15 cm (6in) wide flowers that open from the top down towards the lower branches. The pastel colour of this plant is, as always with bearded Irises, magnified by the texture of the silky and iridescent petals and sepals. This variety has a delightful fragrance reminiscent of biscuits.

Breeder: Larry Gaulter, 1971.

Awards: Dykes Medal in 1979 (the highest award given to exceptional Irises in the U.S.A), Honourable Mention in 1974 and Award of Merit in 1976

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 base of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind, tall irises can be used. They can be planted as a background to shorter and earlier varieties.

Alongside a pathway: the entire range can be used, from dwarf early bloomers to tall irises flowering in May, including intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but bloom with the tall ones. Tall irises with heavy flowers, exposed to the wind, are likely to be knocked down if not staked.

Edge of a flowerbed: border irises but also dwarf irises.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, positioned front or back, depending on the size of neighbouring plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: A careful selection allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. Choosing "perpetual" irises offers some additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

The vegetable garden can accommodate a few clumps of irises, as it is also the place dedicated to growing cut flowers.