Iris Shah Jehan - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris 'Shah Jehan', a tall bearded iris, is an ancient variety which caused a sensation among iris enthusiasts when it was released in 1932. Its slender and elegant stems bear purely shaped flowers in May, admittedly of modest size, but adorned with rich and vibrant shades that are difficult to describe. They consist of blue-washed white petals that dominate purple sepals with a purple centre. The flower's throat is golden yellow to buff, veined with garnet, under bright orange beards. The plant quickly forms sumptuous, elegant, and very vigorous clumps. This historic and classy iris excels in slightly wild or poor areas of the garden, accompanied by white flowers.

The 'Shah Jehan' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, with an upright tufted habit from spring. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, with controversial origins that revolve around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins. This iris is of good size, reaching a height of 85 to 90 cm (34 to 35in) when in bloom, with numerous slender and pointed buds, and the clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The 'Shah Jehan' Iris has an elegant upright habit in dense tufts of long sword-shaped, glaucous green and highly veined leaves. Floral stems appear in April and bloom in May, from the top to the lower branches. The colour is enhanced by the velvety texture of the petals and sepals. It's worth noting that the flowers are also very fragrant.

Obtained by W.Neel, 1932.

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), growth (low-growing or light-foliaged plants), decorative appearance and flowering time. For example, Gauras will cast little shade on the irises and keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzias will be satisfied with dry and poor soil, just like the iris. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilised by a dense planting of old diploid varieties that require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, one can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates that are less likely to be knocked over.

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

Border: the entire range can be used, from early dwarfs under 40 cm (16in), to tall irises over 75 cm (30in) that flower in May, including intermediates (in terms of size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but flower at the same time as the tall ones. Tall irises may need staking to prevent them from being blown over.

Mass planting: the domain of border irises, but also dwarfs, depending on the circumstances.

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

Iris bed, iris garden: the paradise of the iris enthusiast, where the choice and arrangement of varieties reflect each individual's taste. The use of the entire range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of so-called reblooming irises offers some additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

The vegetable garden can be embellished with a few clumps or borders of irises for cutting.