Iris germanica Mallow Dramatic

The 'Mallow Dramatic' Iris germanica, a variety of tall bearded iris, is a stunning deep orchid pink illuminated by a wide range of blue-white on the sepals, around orange-pink beards. The undulating petals open moderately above the sepals, with exceptional width and roundness. This tall iris carries numerous buds on well-branched stems. Its growth is vigorous, its flowering mid-season, and it quickly forms beautiful clumps. Perfect in flower beds, borders, and on slopes.

The 'Mallow Dramatic' iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, which forms upright clumps starting from spring. It 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. This tall variety will reach a height of 90 cm (35in) when in bloom, with numerous buds carried on perfectly branched stems. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer ones. The 'Mallow Dramatic' iris has an elegant upright habit in dense clumps. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green and heavily veined. In April floral stems appear, giving rise to flowers in May that open from the top down towards the lower branches. The colouring of this plant, as always with Bearded irises, is magnified by the texture of the petals and sepals. It is worth noting that the flowers are also highly fragrant.

Obtained by Keppel, 1996.

To accompany 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.

At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. They can be planted in the background of shorter and earlier varieties.

Alongside a pathway: the entire range can be used, from early dwarfs under 40 cm (16in), to tall irises over 75 cm (30in) that bloom in May, including intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but bloom with the tall ones. Tall irises exposed to the wind may need staking to prevent them from bending.

Edge of a flower bed: the domain of border irises naturally, but also dwarf varieties depending on the circumstances.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, chosen based on the position (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: the paradise of the enthusaist, where the choice and arrangement of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflect individual taste. The use of the entire range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowering in spring. The choice of so-called reblooming irises offers a few additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

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