Iris confusa Martyn Rix

Iris confusa 'Martyn Rix' is a very beautiful form of the bamboo iris with blue flowers, a beautiful Chinese species closely related to Iris japonica, but less well known and less planted in gardens. This plant gets its name from the resemblance of its evergreen vegetation to that of certain bamboos. Its lightly scented spring flowers, which float above the foliage, are delicate, light and somewhat resemble orchids. Fairly tender but vigorous and water-saving, this plant will bring a lot of charm to a slightly shaded area of the garden, even if it dries out in summer. It will withstand the cold better in well-drained soils.

Iris confusa is native to western China, where it is found in open forests, on the edges or in clearings, sometimes on rocky slopes or in high-altitude meadows. It is a plant that prefers fertile and well-drained soil, rather neutral to acidic, or even slightly chalky, and can withstand conditions down to around -8°C (17.6°F). From the family Iridaceae, it is included in the group of Iris japonica. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with a creeping rhizome, whose vegetation persists in winter. 'Martyn Rix' was selected for the bluer colour of its flowers.

The plant spreads rapidly through its rhizomes, forming large colonies in a few years and reaching a height of 70-80cm (28-32in) when flowering. It develops round-sectioned stems, similar to bamboo canes, which bear clusters of long, linear and pointed light green leaves, slightly trailing at the top. Flowering takes place in April-May, on the previous year's stems. It lasts for about 3 weeks. Between the leaves emerge floral stems, each bearing about ten flowers measuring 5 to 6cm (2in) in diameter. Each flower, almost flat, is composed of 3 large blue-mauve sepals speckled with violet towards the bright yellow base, topped by 3 smaller inner petals of a light and solid blue mauve, and three upright and fringed petaloid styles called crests. This beautiful flowering is also lightly scented, with a hint of vanilla. After pollination by insects, the flowers give way to fruits that are capsules containing seeds.

Japanese-type irises are wonderful plants for landscaping slightly shaded areas, for example under large trees or along a pathway, as they dislike sunny exposures. To accompany the bamboo iris, choose sufficiently vigorous plants: small periwinkles, dead nettles, lady's mantle, sweet woodruff, golden drops, etc. Its combination with the bamboo palm is quite fantastic. Finally, it is a good plant for patios and gardens surrounded by walls that protect it from the cold. You can also grow it in a large pot to adorn an unheated veranda.