Iris germanica Immortality - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica Immortality is one of the few bearded irises that is truly perpetual. This excellent variety produces large white flowers with a slightly ruffled appearance, touched with blue reflections, and a white beard with a yellow base. Each rootstock produces two to three sturdy flowering stems filled with highly fragrant flowers, first in May and then again at the end of summer, in September, consistently and regularly.

The 'Immortality' Iris is a perennial, deciduous rhizomatous plant, forming upright clumps from spring onwards. It is one of many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with debate about their disputed origins revolving around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins. 'Immortality', classified as a tall perpetual iris, reaches a height of 75 cm (30in) when in bloom. Its sturdy flowering stems bear numerous buds, ensuring a long flowering period, and the clump spreads indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer ones. The plant has an elegant upright habit with dense tufts. The foliage consists of long, sword-shaped, glaucous green and highly veined leaves. Its flowering is slightly earlier than that of tall irises. In April floral stems appear, which bear tightly packed flowers that open from the top down to the lower branches. The colour of this plant is particularly pure and, as is always the case with Bearded Irises, enhanced by the silky texture of the petals and sepals. It should be noted that perpetual varieties are particularly vigorous, multiply more quickly, and require more water and fertiliser to achieve their second flowering.

Obtained by Zurbrigg in 1982.

To accompany the irises, choose plants based on their needs (sunlight, soil), their "respectful" growth habit vis-a-vis irises (low-growing plants or light foliage), and how they complement each other visually (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gauras will cast little shade and will keep the bed attractive throughout summer once the irises have flowered. Eschscholzia, like irises, will be satisfied with dry and poor soil. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense planting of old diploid 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, such as intermediates that are less likely than tall varieties to be knocked over by wind and rain.

At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. Shorter and earlier varieties can be planted in the foreground.

To line a pathway: the entire range of irises can be used, from early dwarf varieties under 40 cm (16in), to tall irises over 75 cm (30in) that bloom in May, including intermediate varieties (in terms of size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but bloom with the tall ones. Tall irises, being exposed to the wind, are often prone to bending if not staked.

Edge of a flowerbed: border irises as well as dwarf irises.

Mixed border: the entire size range can be used, depending on the position (foreground, background) and the size of neighbouring plants.

Iris bed/iris garden: the realm of iris enthusiasts, where the choice and arrangement of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance, etc.) reflect personal taste. The use of the full range of bearded irises allows for approximately two and a half months of flowers in spring. Perpetual irises offer a few additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises, as the classic place for growing cut flowers.