Iris germanica Black Dragon - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Black Dragon' is a nearly black Grand Garden iris, a colour enhanced by the silky texture of the petals and the velvet of the sepals. In this variety, the flower has a classic, understated shape. The petals are a purplish violet that dominates the sepals, which have black reflections, and the whole is animated by bronze beards with blue tips. Its strong and branching floral stems create beautiful flowering tufts in spring. Ideal for accompanying pastel blooms in shades of blue, pink, or white.

The 'Black Dragon' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps. Its deciduous foliage disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. This plant belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin is debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins.

The 'Black Dragon' Iris will reach approximately 80cm (32in) in height when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branching stem that bears numerous black-coloured flower buds. The clump spreads very rapidly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the centre rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, with strong veins. In April, floral stems appear, which will give flowers in May and June, in the middle of the season for tall irises, blooming from the top to the lower branches.

Obtained by Schreiner in 1982 - Award: Honorable Mention in 1968

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" vegetation towards irises (low plants or light foliage, non-competitive plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gauras will not cast much shade on the irises and will keep the iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California poppies and love-in-a-mist will tolerate the same dry soil as the iris in summer. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also complement irises very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges will be stabilized by a dense planting of old 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 literally flattened by wind and rain.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises, as it is also the place dedicated to growing cut flowers.