Iris germanica Fringe of Gold

Iris germanica 'Fringe of Gold' is a variety of large garden iris that catches the eye in the garden. In spring, it produces tall stems with large fringed flowers that combine bright yellow with a dazzling white. Among the tallest, most majestic, and most sparkling of irises, this will look wonderful alongside blue or white varieties.

The Iris 'Fringe of Gold' 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 many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with debate about their disputed origins revolving around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins.

The 'Fringe of Gold' Iris is a tall variety that reaches a height of 95 cm (37in) when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branched stem that bears 5 to 6 flower buds. The clump spreads very quickly and indefinitely 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, with prominent veins. In April, floral stems appear, which will produce flowers in May-June, towards the end of the season for large irises, blooming from the top down towards the lower branches. Each flower, of large size, is composed of 3 upright petals in dark canary yellow, 3 white sepals enriched with golden tones radiating from the beard, and a border of the same yellow, with 3 beards in a slightly more orange deep yellow. The bright colouring of this plant is, as always with Bearded Irises, magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner in 1987 - Award: Honourable Mention

To accompany your irises, choose plants based on their similar needs (sunlight, soil), a growth habit that is "respectful" of irises (i.e. non-competitive plants which are shorter, have light foliage), and how they complement each other visually (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gauras won't create shade, and will keep the bed attractive all summer after your irises have finished flowering. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist, like irises, will tolerate dry soil in summer. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also accompany irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense plantings of old diploid varieties that can remain in place and require little care.  If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, you can choose more modern varieties, e.g. intermediate ones that are less likely than tall ones to be flattened by wind and rain.

A few clumps or borders of irises can also enhance the vegetable garden, as a place dedicated to growing cut flowers.