Iris Patina - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris Patina (TB) is distinguished by its rare colour, a pale olive-yellow subtly bordered, washed, and spotted with light brown giving its large wavy flowers an exceptional pattern. Its branched floral stems bear numerous flower buds, guaranteeing a long flowering period. As well as being ornamental, this old variety is also vigorous and prolific with a slight floral fragrance. It is one of our great favourites!

Iris 'Patina' is a perennial, deciduous rhizomatous plant that develops in elegantly upright clumps from spring that belongs to the Iridaceae family. It 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. They thrive in limestone soils and require plenty of sunlight, with their rhizomes needing to 'cook' in summer to be able to bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

iris 'Patina' is a tall variety which reaches 89 cm (35in) when in bloom and can be susceptible to wind and rain. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped, glaucous green leaves with parallel veins. Floral stems appear in April and produce large, well-proportioned, and slightly wavy flowers in May-June, opening from the top to the lower branches. This variety blooms in the middle of the iris season. Its floral stems are well-branched, each capable of bearing up to 5 open flowers at the same time. Each flower consists of 3 erect pale yellowish-green to olive petals, 3 narrow yellowish-green sepals with a dark brown edge, and 3 dull brown beards. The colour is enhanced by the thick and iridescent texture of the floral parts. The flowers have a sweet and floral scent.

Obtained by Keith Keppel (USA), 1976

Awards: Exhibition Certificate 1974, High Commendation 1976, Honorable Mention 1980, Award of Merit 1982

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...) growth (low-growing or light foliage), decorative appearance and flowering period. For example, Alliums and Gaura will provide little shade to the irises and keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout summer. California Poppies and Damask Nigellas tolerate dry soil like the iris. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also pair well with irises. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense plantings of old diploid varieties that require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible, one can choose more modern varieties that are less likely to be flattened by wind and rain.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises for cut flowers.