Iris germanica Australian Rose - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Australian Rose' is an extraordinary Grand Garden Iris, both for its yellow colour infused with pink and its particularly developed and decorative beards, called 'spurs'. The wavy shape of the floral pieces, along with their thick and iridescent substance, make this variety a first-rate creation that will make a sensation in flower beds. Very late flowering and pleasantly fragrant, this 'Australian rose' with colours of the dawn beautifully closes the iris season.

The 'Australian Rose' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops in spring in elegantly upright clumps, with its foliage disappearing in winter. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained for centuries, with a controversial origin that revolves around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins. They are plants that thrive in calcareous soils and require plenty of sunlight, as their rhizomes need to 'cook' in summer in order to bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

'Australian Rose' will reach a height of 85cm (34in) when in bloom, with several buds per stem. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, with a slightly glaucous green colour and parallel veins. In May, floral stems appear, which will produce large and heavily undulated flowers in June, opening from the top towards the lower branches. They consist of 3 upright petals, pale yellow with veining and a touch of pink, dominating 3 almost horizontal sepals, with a soft and warm yellow colour, veined with shrimp pink, becoming more coppery on the shoulders and edges. The long and thick beards are orange in colour and are extended by a yellow spur. As always with Garden Irises, the colour of this plant is magnified by the thick and iridescent texture of the floral pieces.

Obtained by Sutton, 2009.

To accompany irises, choose companion plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their vegetation that is "respectful" to the irises (low plants or light foliage, non-competitive plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gaura plants will provide little shade to the irises and will keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will also thrive in dry soil like the irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges can be stabilized by dense plantings of old varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, 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 a place dedicated to growing flowers for cutting.