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Iris Big Dipper

Iris germanica
bearded iris

4 reviews

5,0/5

4 reviews

0 reviews

Not yet bloomed, to be continued...

MARIE FRANCE B., 02/04/2017

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

Iris germanica Big Dipper, a variety of light yellow bearded Iris with medium yellow beards, and a gentle fragrance.

Height at maturity

90 cm

Spread at maturity

40 cm

Exposure

Sun

Hardiness

Hardy down to -15°C

Soil moisture

Dry soil, Moist soil

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Recommended planting time July to October

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Flowering time May to July

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Description

Everyone knows Iris germanica or bearded iris which has become world famous thanks to the paintings of Van Gogh and Monet. It owes its popularity to its unique design.

Its wide sword-shaped leaves contrast with crumpled, multicoloured flowers held high. The flowers have three large upright petals and three silky, trailing sepals, called "beards". The flowering period lasts a few weeks in May/June. This Iris has large fleshy rhizomes creeping along the ground. It likes light, warmth, and light, well-drained soils. It does not mind cold or summer drought, its enemy is humidity, especially in heavy soils. Stunning in a sunny bed, it is also highly appreciated for cut flowers.

Bearded Iris Big Dipper measures 90cm (35in) high. It bears light yellow petals with medium yellow beards and a gentle fragrance.

It is very resistant and it should be exposed to full sun, in dry and well-drained soil.

Plant the Big Dipper Iris in a bed or border, alongside yarrow, alliums, stipas or roses. It is better to scatter them in groups of three or alone instead of creating standard iris beds.

Flowering

Flower colour yellow

Flowering time May to July

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous

Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 90 cm

Spread at maturity 40 cm

Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Iris

Species

germanica

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

bearded iris

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

The Big Dipper iris should be planted shallowly, with the rhizome exposed at ground level. Add sand when the soil is too heavy or too wet, and place the rhizomes on small mounds. Ensure good drainage so that the irises do not rot. In summer, this iris should be watered once or twice a month. After flowering, they should be pruned by cutting the flower stalks to 10 cm (4in) from the ground. Damaged leaves should only be removed in autumn. It is not a good idea to provide too much nitrogen as it weakens the plant and increases the number of leaves at the expense of flowers. Taller flower stalks become brittle. Iris can be susceptible to heterosporiosis, a disease characterised by oval brown spots. To prevent it, treat the irises with Bordeaux mixture at the beginning of the growing season. Every 4 years in summer after flowering, divide the clumps by pulling up the entire plant. Take the most beautiful young plants from the rhizome, usually those on the outer edge, and transplant them to a location that has had no irises for a year.

Planting period

Recommended planting time July to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery

Type of use Border

Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map

Ease of cultivation Amateur

Planting density 6 per m2

Exposure Sun

Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous

Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)

Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Well-drained soil