Iris germanica Autumn Circus - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Autumn Circus' is a variety of tall bearded iris that is always appreciated for its early and bright flowering in white and blue-violet, blooming fairly regularly in late summer or autumn. Each flower is different, composed of white petals sprinkled and edged with blue-violet, over white sepals adorned with streaks and fine veins of the same blue-violet that radiate from the white beard. A fresh iris like spring, that one enjoys finding, blooming among the asters in the autumn flower beds.

The 'Autumn Circus' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, with an upright habit. 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 is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins. 'Autumn Circus' is a vigorous and prolific variety, as are generally called 're-blooming' irises. Medium to tall in size, it will reach 85cm (34in) in height when in bloom, with one stem per rhizome, carrying multiple flower buds. The clump will spread very quickly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the centre rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green and highly veined. In April, floral stems appear which will produce flowers in May, blooming from the top down to the lower branches. The two-tone colouration of this plant is very bright, as always with Garden Irises, magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals. The late summer re-blooming is favoured by watering during dry weather, as well as additional fertilizer. Re-blooming irises are even more prolific than classic varieties: they need to be divided and replanted more regularly. They are also more demanding plants.

Hager breeding, 1990. (Space Odyssey x Sociality) x Earl of Essex)

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their non-smothering growth for their rhizomes (low-growing or light-foliaged plants), and their complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gaura will cast little shade on the irises and will keep the faded flower bed attractive all summer. Eschscholzia will be satisfied with a dry and poor soil, just like the iris. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilized by planting dense clumps of old vigorous varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for easier care, one can choose more modern varieties, for example intermediates, often very floriferous, which will be less likely to lean in the wind or rain than the tall ones.

At the base of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind, tall irises can be used. They can be planted in the background behind shorter and earlier varieties.

Border: the entire range can be used, from dwarf early varieties to tall irises blooming in May, including intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, medium-sized but blooming with the tall ones. Highly exposed to the wind, tall irises with heavy flowers are likely to be flattened if not staked.

Mass planting: border irises but also dwarf irises.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, at the front or back, depending on the size of the neighbouring plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: A judicious choice allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. Choosing "re-blooming" irises offers some additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

The vegetable garden can accommodate a few clumps of irises, as it is also a place dedicated to growing cut flowers.