Iris germanica Dracula's Kiss - Bearded Iris

The Iris germanica Dracula's Kiss is one of the bearded iris varieties that comes closest to black, a mythical colour among flowering plants. Blooming in mid-season, this tall Iris exceeding 90 cm in height at its peak produces numerous flowers with fascinating graphic beauty, enhanced by its very deep violet-purple colour. Even darker than the upright petals, the delicately downward-curving sepals feature an orange-mandarin beard that creates a striking contrast. Easy to grow in well-drained soil and full sun, it will pair with almost all other flower colours.

The Iris is the flagship member of the Iridaceae family, which it gave its name to. This botanical family, rich with 1800 species spread across several dozen genera, mainly plants with rootstocks or bulbs, includes many ornamental representatives. From popular Crocuses or Gladioli to the less common but equally charming Ixias or the tender Tritonia laxifolia, the choice is wide for flower enthusiasts. The Iris genus was discovered in Egypt around 3000 BC and includes over 200 species. The number of horticultural varieties is almost countless as this plant inspires professional and amateur collectors worldwide. The Iris germanica, a wild species native to Syria, is considered the ancestor of modern bearded Irises, following a long history of successive hybridisations.
The 'Dracula's Kiss' is the result of cross-breeding between several varieties such as the 'Old Black Magic', an almost black variety, and the dark violet 'Satin Satan'. It was introduced to the market in 2009 by the American grower Schreiner. The quest for flowers ever closer to absolute black is an obsession among horticulturists, and this variety is well positioned in this endless pursuit. It has received several horticultural awards recognising its ornamental qualities, an Honours in 2011 followed by an Award of Merit in 2013 and the Nelson Award in 2022. This bearded iris produces clumps of long, slightly glaucous green, very slender leaves often arranged in a fan shape. In spring, well-established plants develop 3 to 4 flower stems. The variety being very floriferous, each stem can carry 9 to 12 buds! In May, these buds open into flowers with three petals pointing skyward, with undulate edges and a dark violet-purple hue. More rounded and broad with equally wavy borders, the three sepals start horizontally at the base of the petals before elegantly curling downward. Even darker than the petals, they are almost black and have a slightly velvety surface of great beauty. The orange-mandarin beard that adorns them is particularly striking against this dark background.

With its provocative name ('Dracula's kiss') the bearded iris 'Dracula's Kiss' leaves no one indifferent. Its enchanting colour pairs perfectly with almost all shades of the vegetation palette. Its magnificent flowering, which only lasts three to four weeks, encourages planting the iris alongside other plants that will hide its foliage once it becomes uninteresting once the flowers have faded. Create strong contrasts by pairing it with yellow flowers like Alyssum montanum 'Berggold', a Basket of Gold that will form a low carpet at its feet. If you prefer white, the Arabis caucasica 'Snowcap' can be used in the same way. However, consider extending the flowering period by adding early- and late-flowering plants. A clump of Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii will be ideal to start the show with its bright yellow-green flowers from March, and its very graphic appearance. In summer, bet on the robust Blanket Flowers which will open their sun-like flowers, and for the end of the season, nothing beats Autumn Asters to illuminate your flowerbed with a thousand starry flowers...