Iris germanica Casque dOr - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Casque d'Or' is a 'historical' Garden iris created by J. Cayeux in the 1950s, still appreciated for its large flowers in warm tones. Its colour, described as yellow-brown or golden brown, is more perceived as golden orange on the upright sepals and darker coppery yellow on the drooping sepals. The yellow-orange beards complete the colour palette. The flowers are carried on tall stems.

The 'Casque d'Or' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps. Its deciduous foliage disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. This plant belongs to the Iridaceae 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 should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins.

The 'Casque d'Or' Iris is a tall variety, reaching 95cm (37in) in height when flowering. Each rhizome produces a branching stem that carries 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 in colour, strongly veined. In April, floral stems appear, which will produce flowers in May, in the midst of the grand iris flowering season, blooming from the top to the lower branches. The warm and soft colour of this variety is, as always in Garden Irises, magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Cayeux, 1957 - ('Golden Russet' x 'Jean Cayeux')

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their vegetation that is "respectful" of irises (low-growing or light-foliage plants, non-competitive plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering date). For example, Gauras will provide little shade to the irises and will keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-mist will tolerate dry soil in summer, just like the iris. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also accompany 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 maintenance is possible, one can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates that are less likely than tall ones 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.