Iris germanica Bluebird Wine - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Bluebird Wine' is a very beautiful variety of early blooming Bearded Iris in two shades of purple. The plant displays large, particularly undulated flowers, with a rich palette ranging from blue mauve to deep wine purple, enhanced by the texture of the petals. Among the most compact, often the first to bloom, it will look superb next to white blooms of the 'Ré la Blanche' Iris or the Panicled Baby's Breath for example.  

The 'Bluebird Wine' Iris is a deciduous rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps. Its foliage disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. This plant belongs to the Iris family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin is discussed around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins.

The 'Bluebird Wine' Iris reaches a height of 81cm (32in) when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branched stem that carries numerous flower buds. The clump spreads very rapidly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, heavily veined. In April, floral stems appear, which will give rise to flowers in early May, at the beginning of the Bearded Iris season, blooming from the top to the lower branches. Each flower has 3 upright pale blue falls infused with reddish mauve on the median vein, and 3 purple standards with reddish reflections, leaning more towards violet around the long white beard with a mustard base. This variety is pleasantly fragrant.

Bred by Barry Blyth, 1981 ('Magic Man' X 'Mystique')

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" growth habits towards irises (low-growing plants or light foliage, non-competitive plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gauras will cast little shade on irises and will keep the deflowered iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate dry soil in summer, just like irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced 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, such as intermediates, which are less likely than tall bearded irises 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 a place dedicated to growing cut flowers.