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Iris germanica Black Watch - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica Black Watch
German Iris, Bearded Iris

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More information

A variety of intermediate size that offers beautiful flowers, very dark, almost black purple. It blooms at the same time as the Tall Bearded Iris, usually in May. Less sensitive to wind, it is an excellent variety for borders and sunny slopes.
Flower size
6 cm
Height at maturity
60 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 August to September
Recommended planting time February to March, July to October
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Flowering time May
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Description

The 'Black Watch' Iris germanica is part of the intermediate garden iris group: they are not as tall as the Tall bearded iris, but they still bloom at the same time in spring. This one offers flowers that are not very large, but really very dark, a uniform purple almost black, with matching violet beards. Less sensitive to wind, it is particularly suitable for ornamental gardens in windy areas. Plant it in groups in a border or on a sunny slope.  

The 'Black Watch' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant. From spring, it forms erect clumps that will disappear in winter. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin is discussed around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that Garden iris have European origins. 'Black Watch' is of moderate size, it reaches a height of 60-65cm (24-26in) when flowering and the clump spreads indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green, strongly veined. In April, floral stems appear, which will give flowers blooming from the top towards the lower branches in May. The colour of this plant is, as always with Garden iris, magnified by the texture of the petals and sepals. 'Black Watch' flowers exhale a subtle chocolate fragrance.

To accompany iris, choose plants to associate based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" growth towards iris (low plants or light foliage, non-competitive plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gauras will cast little shade on the iris and will keep the deflowered iris bed attractive throughout summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will thrive in dry soil, just like iris. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany iris very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges will be stabilized by a dense planting of old varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible, one can choose more modern varieties, for example, intermediates that are less likely than the tall ones to be literally flattened by wind and rain.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of iris, as it is also the place dedicated to the cultivation of cut flowers.

Flowering

Flower colour black
Flowering time May
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 6 cm
Fragrance slightly scented, Soft, chocolatey scented.
Flowering description Very dark purple to black. Fragrant!

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green
Foliage description Deciduous.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Iris

Species

germanica

Cultivar

Black Watch

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

German Iris, Bearded Iris

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference177581

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Planting and care

Do you have a very sunny location, rather dry in the summer?
This is the ideal location for planting irises! In the shade, they grow but do not flower. They are cultivated in all regions. Hardy, they do not need winter protection. Well-drained soil is perfect, even if it is rather dry and chalky, or even stony. Soil that is too wet promotes rootstock rot. Plant from July to September. This gives the rootstocks enough time to grow sufficiently before being dug up, and to develop new roots before winter. They should be planted as soon as they are purchased for best results. Plan to divide the irises every 4 years or so to give them fresh soil. They have strong growth and require space to develop and flower well. They are planted with spacing appropriate to the size and vigour of the variety: approximately 34-50cm (13-20in) for taller ones (5 to 10 feet per square metre). Always take into account the direction of growth of the rootstocks by arranging them in a star shape, with buds and leaves facing outward, and spacing them well from other varieties so they have room to develop.

Planting

Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough. Make a conical pile of soil in the hole, on which the rootstock and spread-out roots are placed. Cover the roots. It is important for the rootstock to be at the surface of the soil. It should not be planted in a hollow (risk of rot). Take into account that the soil will settle and the iris will sink. In clayey or damp soil, the rootstock will even be left raised on a slight mound of a few centimetres. To make the soil adhere to the roots, lightly compact the soil and water it abundantly after planting. Water 2-3 times if necessary until it takes root.

Maintenance:

Keep the soil free of weeds by shallow hoeing, taking care not to damage the rootstocks or roots. Weeds shade the irises, retain moisture (rot), and attract slugs. Similarly, cut off dry leaves. If they are diseased (reddish-brown spots of heterosporiosis), we recommend burning them. Remove faded flowers.

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Planting period

Best planting time August to September
Recommended planting time February to March, July to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Well-drained soil

Care

Pruning instructions Cut the flowering stems at the end of the flowering period. Optionally, trim the foliage at a slant halfway up in summer using pruning shears.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time July to August
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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