Iris Danse du Feu - Bearded iris

The 'Danse du Feu' Iris germanica is a large historical bearded Iris dating back to 1960, with simple, rounded, non-serrated petals and harmonious shades of brown. Without frills and quite charming, this mid-season and tall iris has medium reddish-brown petals and copper-brown sepals with golden-yellow beards. It is a prolific and undemanding plant for spring beds and full sun borders.

The 'Danse du Feu' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that grows in clumps from spring, with its foliage disappearing in winter. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin is debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that bearded Irises have European origins. They thrive in calcareous soils and require plenty of sunlight, with their rhizomes needing to 'cook' in summer to be able to bloom. A minimum of six hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

'Danse du Feu' will reach a height of 95 cm when in bloom. It is derived from the varieties 'Cascade Splendor' and 'Royal Sovereign'. The clump will spread without a theoretical limit over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide cordate, slightly glaucous green leaves traversed by parallel veins. In April, floral stems appear, which will produce small single-shaped flowers in May, blooming from the top down. The colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, enhanced by the thick and iridescent texture of the upright petals and the trailing sepals.

Obtained by Ferdinand Cayeux, 1960.

To accompany irises, choose plants that share similar requirements in terms of soil and exposure. Opt for low-growing species or those with light foliage, which do not obstruct the necessary light for the irises and do not compete, while offering staggered or non-staggered flowering. Gauras, for example, maintain visual appeal throughout the summer and hide the foliage of the Iris after flowering. California Poppies and love-in-a-mist flowers, which tolerate dry soil, go well with the needs of irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertias are also good companions that extend the flowering period. At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. If you are concerned about climatic uncertainties, choose intermediate iris varieties, which offer better resistance to wind and rain. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges will be stabilised by a dense planting of old varieties that can remain in place and require little care.

The vegetable garden can be enhanced with a few clumps or borders of irises for cut flowers.