Iris germanica Arpege - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Arpege' is a rather old variety of tall bearded iris, brought back into the spotlight for its robustness, bright colour, and long-lasting flowering. This one offers large, silky, undulating flowers, well-formed and bicolour. Their porcelain-blue petals dominate the dark blue-violet sepals. The whole is enhanced by white beards with a yellow-orange base. Among the tallest, often the last to bloom, 'Arpege' will work wonders alongside delicate blooms like those of Anthriscus 'Ravenswing' or Gypsophila paniculata, for example.

The 'Arpege' 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 is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins.

The 'Arpege' Iris is a tall variety that will reach a height of 90cm (35in) when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branching stem that carries numerous flower buds. The clump will spread very rapidly, 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, strongly veined sword-shaped leaves. In April, floral stems appear, which will give rise to flowers from May 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. This Arpege variety is pleasantly scented.

Obtained by Schreiner in 1966 - Awarded Honorable Mention in 1968

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" growth alongside irises (low-growing or light-foliage plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gauras will provide little shade to irises and will keep the deflowered iris bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzia will thrive in the same dry soil as irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also pair well with irises. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilized by dense plantings 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, modern varieties can be chosen, for example intermediates that are less likely than tall ones to be literally blown down by the wind and rain.

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