Iris Morning Mail - Bearded Iris

Iris 'Morning Mail' is an excellent variety of iris sought after for its superb orchid-like colour, ranging from mauve to medium pink, and its vigour. Its flowers are large and frilly, enhanced by bright orange beards. The plant quickly forms beautiful clumps that bloom in spring in borders and rock gardens. The lilac of its flowers combines with a rich palette of colours in the garden.

Iris 'Morning Mail' is a deciduous rhizomatous perennial with an upright clumping habit. Bearded irises belong to the Iridaceae family and 'Morning Mail' is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin is debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins. 'Morning Mail' is a particularly tall variety, reaching 95 cm (37in) high when flowering, with a branched flower stalk. The clump will spread rapidly, without a theoretical limit over time, with the centre rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long, glaucous green, highly veined sword-shaped leaves. Flower stalks appear in April and bloom in May, earlier or later depending on the climate, flowering from the top to the lower branches. The colour is enhanced by the texture of the silky and iridescent petals and sepals.

Obtained by Barry Blyth, 1998.

To complement irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), growth (low-growing plants or light foliage), appearance and flowering time. For example, Gauras will cast little shade on irises and will keep the border attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies (Eschscholzia) will be happy with dry and poor soil, just like the irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. Slopes can be stabilised by dense planting of vigorous old varieties that require little care. The vegetable garden can accommodate a few clumps of irises for cut flowers.