Iris germanica Ambertime - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Ambertime' is a beautiful garden Iris, not widely cultivated, which remarkably combines apricot with frosted lavender mauve. A rather rare colour harmony, enhanced by mandarin beards of striking vivacity. Planted in clumps, this variety, which does not leave one indifferent, stands out in the garden. The shape of the floral parts, all undulated, as well as their thick and iridescent substance, make this variety a first-class achievement. 

The 'Ambertime' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops in clumps elegantly erect from spring, its foliage disappearing in winter. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over the centuries, whose controversial origin is discussed around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins. They are plants that thrive in calcareous soils and require plenty of sunshine for their rhizomes to "cook" in summer in order to bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunshine per day is generally required.

'Ambertime' will reach a height of 80-85cm (32-34in) when in bloom, with several buds per stem. It is a mid-season variety. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, a slightly glaucous green, traversed by parallel veins. In April, floral stems appear that will produce a few large and heavily undulated flowers along the edges in May, blooming from the top to the lower branches. They consist of 3 upright petals, a soft yellow-orange colour, dominating 3 almost horizontal sepals, of the same soft apricot, with a wide pale mauve to white area around the orange beard. The colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, enhanced by the thick and iridescent texture of the floral parts. 

Blyth breeding, 2011. ('Pop Star' X 'Decadence') 

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" growth habit towards irises (low-growing or light-foliaged plants, non-competitive plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gauras will provide little shade to the irises and will keep the deflowered iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate the same dry soil conditions as irises in summer. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also complement irises very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terrace edges can be stabilized by dense plantings of old varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, one can choose more modern varieties, for example intermediates that are less likely than tall varieties to be literally flattened by wind and rain.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises, as it is also the place dedicated to the cultivation of cut flowers.