Iris germanica Guernazelle

Iris germanica Guernazelle is reminiscent of the magnificent Edith Wolford, which caused a sensation in the world of tall bearded irises when it was introduced to the market. This new variety, Guernazelle, in yellow and mauve, has a more vibrant colour and better-formed, thicker-textured flowers. In the garden, it is one of the last to bloom, offering a remarkable association of fresh colours. Its tall flower stems make a big impact in flower beds.

The 'Guernazelle' Iris is a perennial rhizomatous plant. It is deciduous, losing its foliage in winter, and develops into an upright clump from spring onwards. It belongs to the family Iridaceae. 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.

'Guernazelle', resulting from the hybridization of 'Haut Les Voiles' and 'Eye For Style', is the quintessence of these two cultivars, with a flower colour similar to that of the first parent and some of the magnificent texture of the second. It is a tall variety, measuring 90 cm (35in) in height when in flower. Each flower stem bears 6 to 8 buds. The clump spreads very quickly and indefinitely, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer ones. It has an upright habit, forming a dense clump. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green, strongly veined. In April floral stems appear, which will produce flowers that bloom from the top down to the lower branches in May-June. Each flower has 3 pale yellow upright petals infused with mauve at the base and along the median vein. The 3 petals, very undulate and almost horizontal, are light violet with a paler border. The centre of the flower is occupied by violet styles with a yellow-orange crest, surmounted by orange beards with violet tips. The original colour of this beautiful creation is, as always with Bearded Irises, magnified by the iridescent texture of the floral parts.

Bourdillon, 2021. 

To complement irises, choose plants based on their needs (sunlight, soil), their "respectful" growth habit vis-a-vis irises (low-growing plants or light foliage), and how they complement each other visually (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gauras will cast little shade and will keep the bed attractive throughout summer once the irises have flowered. California Poppies (Eschscholzia), like irises, will be satisfied with dry and poor soil. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense planting of old diploid 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, such as intermediates that are less likely than tall varieties to be knocked over by wind and rain.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises, as the classic place for growing cut flowers.