Iris germanica Buffy - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Buffy' is a fairly old variety of tall garden iris that still charms with its large round flowers, finely fringed petals, and warm watercolour cream pink colour with a pale fawn hue. Over the years, it forms large clumps of flowers in spring, typically towards the end of the iris season.

The 'Buffy' 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 the centuries, with its controversial origin being discussed in terms of the number of chromosomes in potential ancestors. It is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins.

The 'Buffy' Iris is a tall variety that reaches a height of 90-95cm (35-37in) when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branching stem with multiple flower buds. The clump spreads rapidly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, with prominent veins. In April-May, floral stems appear, giving rise to flowers that bloom from the top to the lower branches, from the middle to the end of the tall iris season. The flower, with its delicate shades, features upright cream-coloured petals washed with a pale oriental pink and drooping ivory-pink sepals edged with pale fawn. The beards are white, tinged with a light yellow-orange at the base. The delicate colouration of this plant, as is always the case with Garden Irises, is enhanced by the silky and iridescent texture of the floral pieces.

Obtained by Brown in 1968 - Awards: Honorable Mention: 1970; Award of Merit: 1972

To accompany irises, choose companion plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...) and their "respectful" growth habit towards irises (low-growing plants or light foliage), as well as their decorative complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gauras will provide little shade to the irises and maintain an attractive aspect in the iris bed throughout summer. Eschscholzia will be content with a dry soil in summer, just like the iris. Geraniums, sages, and Libertia also pair well with irises. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilized with a dense planting of ancient diploid varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, modern varieties can be chosen, such as intermediates that will be less prone to being literally flattened by wind and rain compared to tall varieties.

At the base of a very sunny wall, protected from the wind, tall irises can be used. They can be planted behind shorter and early-blooming varieties. The vegetable garden can also accommodate a few clumps of irises, as it is also a place dedicated to the cultivation of cut flowers.