Iris germanica Alizes - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Alizes' is a Garden Iris of the Amoena type, a chromatic category defined by flowers with white petals and coloured sepals. In 'Alizes', the petals are pure crystalline white and the sepals are widely bordered with mauve blue on a greenish-white to bluish-white background. The heart of the flower is animated by yellow beards. This variety will also charm with its exceptional floribundity and the gentle fragrance of its flowers. 

The 'Alizes' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops from spring in elegantly upright clumps, with its foliage disappearing in winter. It belongs to the family of Iridaceae. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin is discussed around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins. They are plants that thrive in limestone soils and require ample sunlight, with their rhizomes needing to 'cook' in summer to be able to bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

'Alizes' iris will reach a height of 85cm (34in) when in bloom, making it a medium-sized variety. 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 and wide sword-shaped leaves, a somewhat glaucous green, traversed by parallel veins. In April, floral stems appear that will give well-proportioned and slightly undulate large flowers in May, which bloom from the top to the lower branches. This variety flowers in the middle of the iris season, with its floral stems well-branched, each capable of bearing up to 5 open flowers at the same time. The colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, enhanced by the thick and iridescent texture of the floral parts. The fragrance of the flowers is described as sweetly floral.

Obtained by Cayeux, 1987

To accompany irises, plants should be chosen to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" vegetation towards irises (low plants or light foliage), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gauras will cast little shade on irises and keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate a dry soil in summer, just like irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also go well with irises. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilized by a dense planting of old diploid 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, for example intermediates that will be less prone than tall ones to being literally knocked down by wind and rain.

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