Iris germanica Blue Crusader - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Blue Crusader' is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful "blues" that can be found among the Grand Garden Irises. With an extraordinary vigour, this powerful plant bears on very tall and thick stems up to 9 impressive pyramid-shaped flowers, all with undulating, thick substance, and a superb deep blue shaded with almost uniform violet. 'Blue Crusader', a magnificent blue knight, concludes the season of Iris germanica in June. Such a marvel deserves a prominent place in a sunny flowerbed or in a large rock garden.

'Blue Crusader' is a perennial rhizomatous plant that develops in elegant clumps starting from spring, 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 should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins. They are plants of limestone soils, thirsty for sun, whose rhizomes must 'bake' in summer in order to flower. A minimum of 6 hours of sun per day is generally required.

'Blue Crusader' will reach at least 1m (3ft) in height when flowering, up to 1.07m (3ft) in good conditions. Its branched flower stem carries at least 8 flower buds. The clump will spread without a theoretical limit over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out 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-May, sturdy flower stems appear, which will give very large flowers in June blooming from the top to the lower branches. The deep blue colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, magnified by the thick and iridescent texture of the upright petals and the trailing sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner (USA), 1998.

Instead of planting all your irises in a homogeneous flowerbed, plant them in small clusters among other perennials to extend the flowering period of your flowerbeds. To accompany the irises, choose plants to associate based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" growth habit towards irises (low plants or light foliage), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gaura plants will provide little shade to the irises and will keep the deflowered iris flowerbed attractive throughout the summer. Botanical tulips, early tulips, and Eschscholzia will also thrive in a dry summer soil like the iris. Geraniums and autumn asters that are not demanding (laevis, turbinellus) also complement irises very well. Slopes and restanque edges can 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, for example intermediates that are less likely to be literally flattened by wind and rain.

At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. Of course, shorter and early varieties can be planted in the foreground.

Border of a pathway: the realm of dwarf early irises less than 40cm (16in) in height, up to intermediates (in height and earliness) and border irises, medium-sized but flowering with the tall ones.

Border of a flowerbed: the domain of irises...border irises but also dwarf ones, depending on the circumstances.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, chosen according to the space (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Iris flowerbed, iris garden: the paradise of iris enthusiasts where the choice of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflects each person's taste. The use of the entire range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of so-called re-blooming irises offers a few additional flowers in late summer or autumn, depending on the climate.

The vegetable garden can be embellished with a few clumps or borders of irises as it is also the classic place for the family cultivation of cut flowers.

Everyone knows Iris germanica, which has become world-famous thanks to the paintings of Van Gogh and Monet. Its popularity is due to its unique graphic design.

Its wide, rigid sword-shaped leaves contrast with crumpled, multicolored flowers perched high. The flowers have the peculiarity of forming three large upright petals and three silky trailing sepals, called "beard". The flowering lasts a few weeks in May/June. This Iris has large fleshy rhizomes creeping on the ground. It loves light, heat, and light, well-drained soils. It is not afraid of cold or summer drought, its enemy is humidity, especially in heavy soils. Superb in a sunny flowerbed, it is also highly appreciated for making bouquets.

The variety of Garden Iris 'Blue Crusader' measures 100cm (39in) in height. It bears dark blue to violet petals.

Very resistant, it should be exposed to full sun, in a rather dry and well-drained soil.

Place the 'Blue Crusader' Iris in a flowerbed or border, accompanied by yarrows, Alliums, Stipas, or roses. It is preferable to scatter them in groups of 3 or alone instead of creating homogeneous iris flowerbeds.