Iris germanica Antique Ivory - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Antique Ivory' is a variety of tall and bright garden iris. Its large silky and undulating flowers have upright petals in a soft lemon yellow, dominating the creamy white sepals edged with lemon yellow. The whole is enhanced by yellow beards. Its well-branched floral stems carry numerous buds that open from the middle to the end of the tall iris season.

The 'Antique Ivory' 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 for centuries, whose controversial origin is discussed around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins.

The 'Antique Ivory' Iris is a tall variety that will reach a height of 90cm (35in) when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a cluster of leaves from which a branched floral stem emerges. The plant 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 sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, with strong veins. In April-May, floral stems appear that will produce flowers in May and June, from the middle to the end of the tall iris season, blooming from the top down to the lower branches. The bright colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner in 1972 - Award: Honorable Mention in 1973.

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their vegetation that is "respectful" of irises (low-growing plants or light foliage), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering date). For example, Gauras will cast little shade on the irises and will keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout summer. Eschscholzia and nigellas will be satisfied with a dry soil in summer, just like the iris. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also go very 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, you can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates that are less likely than tall irises to be literally laid flat by wind and rain.

At the base of a very sunny wall, protected from the wind, tall irises can be used. They can be planted in the background of shorter and earlier varieties. The vegetable garden can accommodate a few clumps of irises, as it is also the place dedicated to growing cut flowers.