Iris germanica Mariposa Wizard - Bearded Iris

'Mariposa Wizard' is an intermediate bearded iris with wisteria blue petals and deep violet sepals adorned with violet-blue beards on a golden base. Not very tall, it fits easily in borders, in front of shrubs and large perennials, or in a flower bed somewhat exposed to wind. Its rather early flowering kicks off the iris season in the garden in May.

This intermediate bearded iris belongs to the Iridaceae family and the group of garden irises, also known as bearded irises. It is a rhizomatous perennial: the rootstock slowly expands at the soil surface over the years. The foliage, a glaucous green, shaped like upright swords, persists more or less in winter depending on the climate. 'Mariposa Wizard' reaches 55-56 cm in flower and spreads 30-40 cm after 3-4 years. The category of intermediate bearded irises sits between dwarf irises and tall garden irises, both in flowering period and height. Their shorter flower stalks are less sensitive to wind.

In 'Mariposa Wizard', the scape carries two branches and six to seven buds, resulting in a well-staggered flowering for an iris of this size. On each flower, the 3 upright petals are wisteria blue, with a slightly stronger midrib. The 3 trailing sepals are deep violet, warmed by a reddish sheen. The edges are wavy, but not excessively, and the flower is well-formed. The beards, violet-blue on their visible part, are golden towards the throat. A light musky fragrance can be detected in mild weather. This variety is repeat flowering in favourable conditions: it can re-bloom in autumn if summer is not too dry.

'Mariposa Wizard' is a cultivar originated by Richard Tasco, registered in 2003 and introduced in 2004 under the seedling number 97-IB-01-10-RE. It comes from a cross between 'Mariposa Skies' and 'Wizard's Return'. It received an Honorable Mention from the American Iris Society in 2006, then an Award of Merit in 2008. In 2012, 'Mariposa Wizard' was also a finalist for the Hans and Jacob Sass Medal, the American award reserved for intermediate bearded irises.

In borders or flower beds, the rhizomes of irises should be uncovered and weeded to receive maximum sunlight. The variety 'Mariposa Wizard' combines well with lighter irises or pastel tones. For example, with Iris germanica 'Cutie', white striped with turquoise blue, Erysimum 'Bowles's Mauve', for its mauve flowers, Teucrium hircanicum 'Paradise Delight', later flowering, and Centaurea montana 'Purple Heart', white with a purple heart.