Iris germanica Buc Joyeux Anniversaire - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Buc Joyeux Anniversaire', also known as grand garden iris perpetual, produces two flowerings. One in May, then a second in September-October. Its bi-tone flowers are formed by pink mauve petals well erect on violet petals with slightly striated throat, around a mandarin beard. This variety requires slightly richer soil and must not lack water at the end of summer to promote reblooming. Its growth is vigorous, and it quickly forms beautiful clumps. Ideal in borders or on slopes.

The 'Buc Joyeux Anniversaire' Iris is a perennial rhizomatous and deciduous plant, with a upright tufted habit from spring. It 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. 'Buc Joyeux Anniversaire' will reach a height of 90cm (35in) in flower, with numerous buds, and the clump will spread without theoretical limit over time, with the centre rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. It has an elegant upright habit in dense clumps. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green and highly veined. In April, floral stems appear which will give flowers in May blooming from the top to the lower branches. If it does not lack water or food, it will rebloom at the end of summer. The colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, magnified by the texture of the petals and sepals. It should be noted that the flowers are also highly fragrant.

Obtained by François in 2002.

To accompany irises, plants should be chosen to associate based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their "respectful" vegetation towards irises (low-growing plants or light foliage), and their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering date). For example, Gaura will provide little shade to the irises and will keep the deflowered iris bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzia will be content with a dry and poor soil, just like irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. 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, more modern varieties can be chosen, such as intermediates that are less likely to be knocked over than the tall ones.

At the foot of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows the use of tall irises. They can of course be planted in the foreground of shorter and earlier varieties.

Path border: the entire range can be used, from early dwarfs under 40cm (16in), to tall irises over 75cm (30in) flowering in May, including intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, medium-sized but flowering with the tall ones. Tall irises exposed to the wind may be prone to lodging if not staked.

Border of flowerbed: the domain of border irises... but also dwarfs, depending on the circumstances.

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

Iris bed, iris garden: the paradise of the iris lover where the choice and arrangement of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflects everyone'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 perpetual irises offers some additional flowers at the end of summer or autumn.

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