Iris germanica Adoranova - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Adoranova' is a superb variety of large garden iris that offers coquettish large flowers with ample undulations, in a complex chromatic harmony dominated by pink. The flowers are composed of light lilac petals, infused with pink at the base of the central vein, while the sepals are a nearly antique pink, infused with coffee, creamier in the centre around beautiful mandarin beards. These sepals have a fine lilac-to-milk coffee border, and are veined with raspberry red at the base. This variety is pleasantly fragrant and its flowering is mid-season. Ideal in a mass planting, as a border, on slopes...

The 'Adoranova' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, with an upright tufted habit from spring. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained for centuries, the controversial origin of which revolves around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins. 'Adoranova' is classified in the 'bicolour' category, which presents contrasting coloured petals and sepals. It is a large variety, which reaches a height of 90cm (35in) in bloom, with numerous buds. The clump will spread without a theoretical limit over time, with the centre rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. It has an elegant upright habit in a dense tuft. The foliage consists of long sabre-shaped leaves, glaucous green and highly veined. In April, floral stems appear. The flowers bloom in May, more or less early depending on the climate, from the top to the lower branches. The colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, magnified by the texture of the petals and sepals. Note that the flowers emit a sweet, floral, slightly pronounced scent.

Breeder: Blyth 2012.

To accompany Irises, plants should be chosen to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" vegetation towards Irises (low plants or light foliage), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering date). For example, Gaura will cast little shade on Irises and will keep the post-flowering Iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies will be satisfied with a dry and poor soil, just like Irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also accompany Irises very well, lightening their habit. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilized by a dense planting of old diploid varieties that can remain in place and require very little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for easy care, one can choose more modern tetraploid varieties, for example intermediates that will be less likely to be toppled by the wind.

The vegetable garden can be embellished with a few clumps or borders of Irises, as it is also the classic location for the family cultivation of cut flowers.