Iris Ominous Stranger - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris 'Ominous Stranger' is a medium-sized, attractive tall bearded variety in pastel tones: the flowers are composed of infused ivory petals veined with lavender blue, while the sepals are pale yellow bordered with lavender, all speckled with tender violet. It has a pleasant fragrance and is floriferous. Its flowering period is mid-season. Ideal in flower beds, borders, and on slopes.

The 'Ominous Stranger' Iris is a rhizomatous, deciduous perennial plant with upright tufted growth from spring. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the numerous cultivars obtained over centuries, with a controversial origin debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins. 'Ominous Stranger' is classified in the 'plicatas' category due to the small dots of intense colour randomly scattered on the petals. It is a medium-sized variety, which allows it to better withstand wind and rain. It reaches a height of 85 to 90 cm (34 to 35in) when in bloom, with numerous buds, and the clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the external ones. It has an elegant upright habit with dense tufts of long sword-shaped, glaucous green and highly veined leaves. Floral stems appear in April and flowers bloom in May, starting from the top and extending to the lower branches. As always with Garden Irises, the colour is magnified by the texture of the petals and sepals. It is worth noting that the flowers are also pleasantly fragrant.

Breeder: Innerst 1993.

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), growth (low-growing or light-foliaged plants), decorative aspect and flowering period. For example, Gaura will provide little shade to irises and keep the bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzia will be satisfied with dry and poor soil, just like the iris. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well, lightening their habit. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense planting of old diploid varieties that can require very little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is easy, one can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates that are less likely to be toppled by the wind.

At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. Of course, they can also be planted in the foreground of shorter and earlier varieties.

Path border: the entire range can be used, from dwarf early varieties under 40 cm (16in), to tall irises over 75 cm (30in) that bloom in May, including intermediates (in terms of size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but bloom with the tall ones. Tall irises may need staking to prevent them from falling over.

Mass planting border: the domain of border irises, but also dwarfs, depending on the circumstances.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, to be chosen according to the position (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: the paradise of the iris lover, where the choice and arrangement of varieties reflect each individual's taste. The use of the entire range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of blooming in spring. The choice of so-called reblooming irises offers some additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

The vegetable garden can be enhanced with a few clumps or borders of irises for cutting.