Iris Sultans Palace - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris 'Sultan's Palace' is a relatively old variety of tall bearded iris, still appreciated for its rich colour. The search for true red, a pigment naturally absent in irises, is always a challenge, but this one is a superb reddish-brown with orange highlights that vary depending on the light. Its large flowers are slightly wavy and velvety, adorned with clear beards of coppery orange. A theatrical colour that will work well alongside blue or white varieties in flowerbeds and rock gardens.

Iris 'Sultan's Palace' is a rhizomatous, deciduous perennial that forms upright clumps and belongs to the family Iridaceae. It is one of many cultivars obtained over centuries, with a controversial origin that is debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins.

Iris 'Sultan's Palace' is a medium-sized variety that will reach 85 cm (34in) high when flowering. Each rhizome produces a branching stem with numerous flower buds. The clump will spread rapidly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped, glaucous green leaves with prominent veins. Floral stems appear in April and produce flowers in May, in the middle of the tall iris season, blooming from the top down to the lower branches. The rich colour is enhanced by the thick and velvety texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner in 1977 - Award: Honorable Mention in 1979

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), growth (low-growing or light-foliaged plants), decorative appearance and flowering time. For example, Gauras will provide little shade to the irises and keep the faded iris bed attractive all summer. Eschscholzias will tolerate dry summer soil like the iris. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also go well with irises. Steep slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense planting of old diploid varieties that require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, choose more modern varieties like intermediates that are less likely to be flattened by wind and rain.

Plant tall irises at the base of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind. They can be placed in the background behind shorter and early varieties. The vegetable garden can accommodate a few clumps of irises for cut flowers.