Iris Pinnacle - Bearded Iris

Iris 'Pinnacle' is a variety of Garden Iris that caused a sensation when it was presented after the Second World War. Its large yellow and white flowers exude rediscovered happiness, like a spring smile. The plant forms beautiful clusters of light in the garden, at the heart of the iris season.

'Pinnacle' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clusters. Its deciduous foliage disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. This plant 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 Garden Irises have European origins.

'Pinnacle' Iris reaches a height of 90 cm (35in) when in bloom. Each rhizome produces branched stems that bear several flower buds. The cluster spreads very quickly, theoretically unlimited over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green and prominently veined. Floral stems appear in April and flower in May, in the middle of the tall iris season, blooming from the top to the lower branches. Each beautifully shaped flower consists of 3 upright petals of pure white, 3 drooping sepals of primrose yellow, slightly striped with white towards the throat, and 3 beards with a white base and a lemon-yellow tip. The very fresh colour is magnified by the thick and iridescent texture of the petals and sepals. 

Obtained by Jean Stevens in 1945 - Awards: Honorable Mention in 1949, Award of Merit (A.G.M) in 1951.

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their vegetation (low plants or light foliage, non-competitive plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering date). For example, Gauras will cast little shade on the irises and will keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate the same dry soil as the irises in summer. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and the edges of terraces will be stabilized by a dense planting of old varieties that require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, modern varieties can be chosen, such as intermediates that are less likely to be flattened by wind and rain.

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