Iris germanica Bishops Robe - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Bishop's Robe' is an ancient variety of tall garden iris that is always pleasing with its two-tone violet colour, ideal for adding depth to softer lilac and pink tones or contrasting with yellow or orange blooms. Of medium stature, it flowers in the middle of the iris season, in May.

Iris 'Bishop's Robe' is a rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps. Its deciduous foliage disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. This plant belongs to the family Iridaceae. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with its controversial origin discussed in terms of the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins.

The 'Bishop's Robe' Iris will reach approximately 90cm (35in) in height when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branched stem that bears numerous flower buds. The clump spreads very quickly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the centre rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, with pronounced veins. In April, floral stems appear, which will give rise to flowers in May, in the middle of the tall iris season, blooming from the top down to the lower branches. Each flower has 3 upright petals of a vivid purple, 3 drooping sepals of a dark violet, and 3 beards of a deep yellow. The rich colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, enhanced by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Heller 1948

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their vegetation that is "respectful" of irises (low-growing or light-foliaged plants, non-competitive plants), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gauras will cast little shade on the irises and will keep the deflowered iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate dry soil in summer, just like irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges will 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 care is possible, one can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates that are less likely to be literally flattened by wind and rain.

A few clumps or borders of irises can be added to the vegetable garden, as it is also a place dedicated to growing cut flowers.