Iris germanica Cherished - Bearded Iris

The 'Cherished' German Iris is a fairly old variety of Garden Iris that will delight fans of pastel pink irises. Although its official presentation does not mention it, this iris seems, according to sources, capable of producing two flowerings in the year, in spring and then in late summer. Its flower is described as follows: "an exquisite blend of delicate pastel pinks, shaded with blue on wide ruffled petals. The petals and sepals, with their thick texture, have fine distinctive veins. The beard is a washed mandarin pink, blending with the flower's colour rather than contrasting." *

The 'Cherished' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops in spring into elegantly upright clumps, with 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 calcareous soils and require at least half a day of full sun to flower well.

'Cherished' will reach a height of approximately 80cm (32in) when in bloom, making it a rather compact variety. The clump will spread without a theoretical limit over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, of a slightly glaucous green colour, with parallel veins running through them. This variety blooms in the middle of the Great Iris season, in May. The floral stems bear flowers that open from the top to the lower branches. If it does not lack water or nutrients, this iris will produce more flowers in September. The colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, enhanced by the texture of the petals and sepals. The flowers of 'Cherished' emit a subtle fragrance reminiscent of blackcurrant leaves.

Obtained by Glenn Corlew, 1972

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 time). For example, Gauras will cast little shade on the irises and will keep the iris bed attractive throughout summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate dry soil in summer, just like the iris. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia 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 care is possible, one can choose more modern varieties, for example intermediates that are less likely than tall ones to be literally brought down to the ground 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.

*Excerpt from AIS Bulletin #209, April 1973