Iris germanica Beauté de Sologne - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Beauté de Sologne' is a Garden Tall Bearded Iris that represents a beautiful breakthrough in the world of bicoloured irises with its extremely contrasting flower that combines pale yellow with almost black. The shape of the floral parts, all undulated, as well as their thick and iridescent substance, make this variety a creation that does not go unnoticed in the garden. This magnificent variety blooms in May, between the beginning and middle of the tall iris season.

The 'Beauté de Sologne' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops from spring in elegantly upright clumps, 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 is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins. They are plants that thrive in limestone soils and require ample sunlight, with their rhizomes needing to 'cook' in summer in order to bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

'Beauté de Sologne' will reach a height of 85cm (34in) when in bloom, with several buds per stem. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, with a slightly glaucous green colour, traversed by parallel veins. In May, floral stems appear that will produce large, beautifully formed flowers with strong undulated edges, blooming from the top towards the lower branches. They consist of 3 upright petals, pale yellow in colour, dominating 3 very dark purple sepals, veined in black and finely edged in violet-pink. The beards are bright yellow. The colouration of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, magnified by the thick and iridescent texture of the floral parts.

Obtained by Nicolas Bourdillon (France), 2020.

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" vegetation towards irises (low-growing or light-foliaged plants, non-competitive plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering date). For example, Gaura 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 also thrive in dry summer soils like the iris. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges will be stabilized by a dense planting of old varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible, you can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates that are less likely to be literally flattened to the ground by wind and rain.

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