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Iris Qualified - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris germanica Qualified
German Iris, Bearded Iris

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More information

A variety that produces very large frilly flowers in apricot to peach, slightly lighter towards the mandarin beards, with a touch of pink at the base of the upright petals. The spreading sepals are very wide. Mid to late flowering, slightly fragrant, on 80 cm (32in) stems.

Flower size

14 cm

Height at maturity

80 cm

Spread at maturity

40 cm

Exposure

Sun

Hardiness

Hardy down to -15°C

Soil moisture

Dry soil, Moist soil

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Best planting time July to August

Recommended planting time February to March, July to October

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Flowering time May to June

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Description

Iris 'Qualified' (TB)is a variety of tall garden iris that is quite spectacular because of its large apricot flowers and gentle fragrance. A bright fruity colour which is enhanced by intense orange beards. The plant forms beautiful clumps that will bloom in spring in borders and rock gardens.

Iris 'Qualified' is a rhizomatous perennial plant that has an upright habit, of 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. 'Qualified' is a variety of fairly modest stature, reaching 80 cm (32in) high when in flower, with a sturdy flowering stem supported by a rhizome, bearing numerous flower buds. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the centre rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer ones. The deciduous foliage consists of long sword-shaped, glaucous green, highly veined leaves. Flowering stems appear in April with enormous flowers in May, earlier or later depending on the climate, 14 cm (6in) wide, blooming from the top to the lower branches. The petals are apricot to peach, slightly lighter towards the mandarin beards and tinged with pink at the base. The drooping apricot sepals are very wide, with a mandarin beard at the base. The colour is enhanced by the silky and iridescent texture of the petals and sepals. This variety has a gentle fragrance.

Obtained by Grosvenor, 1999

To complement irises, plants should be chosen based on their needs (exposure, soil...), growth (low-growing plants or light foliage), appearance and flowering time. For example, Gauras will provide little shade to the irises and keep the bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies (Eschscholzia) will be content with dry and poor soil, just like irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement 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.

Iris Qualified - Tall Bearded Iris in pictures

Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour orange

Flowering time May to June

Inflorescence Cluster

Flower size 14 cm

Fragrance slightly scented, sweet

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous

Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 80 cm

Spread at maturity 40 cm

Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Iris

Species

germanica

Cultivar

Qualified

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

German Iris, Bearded Iris

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 19760

Planting and care

Do you have a very sunny location, rather dry in summer?
This is the ideal location for irises! In the shade, they grow but do not flower. They are hardy and do not need winter protection. Well-drained soil is perfect even dry and chalky, or rocky. Excessively moist soil promotes rhizome rot. Plant from July to September to allow the rhizomes enough time to grow and develop new roots before winter. They should be planted as soon as they are purchased, for better results. Plan to divide the irises every 4 years or so to give them fresh soil. They are vigorous and need space to develop and flower well. Plant with a spacing appropriate to the size and vigour of the variety: about 34-50 cm (13-20in) for tall ones. Always consider the direction of growth of the rhizomes by arranging them in a star shape, with buds and leaves facing outward, and spacing them well away from other varieties so they have room to grow.

Planting

Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough. Create a conical mound of soil on which to place the rhizome and spreading roots. Cover the roots. It is important that the rhizome is level with the surface of the soil. It should not be planted in a dip (risk of rot), so take into account that the soil will settle and the iris will sink. In clay or moist soil, the rhizome should even be elevated on a slight mound. To make the soil cling to the roots, lightly firm and thoroughly water immediately after planting. Water 2-3 times if necessary until the plant is established.

Maintenance:

Keep the soil weed-free by shallow hoeing, taking care not to damage the rhizomes or roots. Weeds shade the irises, retain moisture (causing rot), and attract slugs. Also, remove dry leaves. If they are diseased (reddish-bordered spots of heterosporiosis), we recommend burning them. Remove faded flowers.