Iris On En Rêve - Bearded Iris

Iris 'On En Rêve' is the variety that comes closest to true sky blue. Its round and gently wavy flowers are carried by sturdy flower stalks, which resist wind and rain well. In spring, this plant forms pleasantly blooming clumps of celestial blue, harmonising perfectly with a palette of pastel or vibrant tones. It blooms between the beginning and middle of the iris season.

Isis 'On En Rêve' is a rhizomatous, deciduous perennial that develops into elegantly upright clumps from spring. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin is debated in terms of the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that bearded irises have European origins. They thrive in chalky soil and need plenty of sunlight to 'cook' their rhizomes in summer, to be able to bloom well. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

'On En Rêve' will reach 75 cm (30in) high when flowering. 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, wide sword-shaped, slightly glaucous green leaves with parallel veins. Floral stems appear in April and bloom in May, opening from the top down. The flowers consist of 3 upright, wavy, pure light blue petals, above 3 wide and round, slightly less wavy, slightly paler blue sepals. The beards are yellow-orange at the base, providing a beautiful touch of light to the ensemble. The colour is magnified by the thick and iridescent texture of the floral parts.

Breeding by Cayeux, 2022. ('Aigue Marine' x 'Above the Clouds')

To accompany irises, choose plants according to their needs (exposure, soil...), growth (low plants or light foliage, non-competitive plants), decorative appearance and flowering date. For example, Gauras will provide little shade to the irises and keep the faded iris bed attractive all summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate dry soil in summer, just like irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also go very well with irises. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges can be stabilised by a dense planting of old varieties that 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 to be flattened by wind and rain.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises for cut flowers.