Iris Stepping Out - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris 'Stepping Out' is a fairly old variety of tall garden iris that has received numerous awards, especially for its striking colour. Its large, regal wavy flowers display a remarkably clear violet pattern. The background colour of the sepals is a bright snow white, and their large violet border is elegantly wavy, enhancing the beauty of the flower. The well-branched flower stems create a superbly flowered clump. Among the tallest, it beautifully concludes the season of Tall Bearded Irises.

Iris 'Stepping Out' is a deciduous rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps. This plant belongs to the Iris family. It is one of many cultivars obtained over centuries, with a controversial origin being debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins.

Iris 'Stepping Out' will reach approximately 95 cm (37in) high when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a stem with four branches, adorned with numerous flower buds. The clump spreads very quickly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long, glaucous green, heavily veined sword-shaped leaves. Floral stems appear in April and bloom in in June, towards the end of the Tall Bearded Iris season, from the top down to the lower branches. The contrasting colours are magnified by the texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner in 1964

Awards: Honorable Mention in 1965, Award of Merit in 1967, Dykes Memorial Medal in 1968, Franklin Cook Memorial Cup in 1966, Nelson Award in 1968

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their requirements (exposure, soil...), growth (low-growing plants or light foliage), decorative appearance and flowering time. For example, Gauras provide little shade to irises and keep the deflowered iris bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzia will thrive in dry summer soil, just like irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also pair well with irises. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense plantings of old diploid varieties that 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 will be less prone  to being laid flat on the ground by wind and rain.

Use tall irises at the base of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind. They can be planted behind shorter and earlier varieties. The vegetable garden can also accommodate a few clumps of irises for cutting.