Iris germanica Burnt Toffee - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Burnt Toffee' is a variety of iris that has been in gardens for a long time, and its unusual colour always draws attention. Difficult to describe precisely, it slightly changes throughout the day. Its large, unfussy flower is an "strange and seductive blend of smoked copper and light violet blue", or made of beige to golden bronze petals and rose chocolate sepals with a lavender blue median, caramel shoulder, and old gold edge, surrounding a blue beard. This iris with smoky tones is truly unique, and its late flowering beautifully concludes the season of tall irises, with a gentle scent of orange blossom. It is a floriferous and prolific variety that has a striking effect in sunny beds and rockeries.

'Burnt Toffee' Iris is a perennial rhizomatous plant that grows from 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 over the centuries, and its controversial origin revolves around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that Garden Irises have European origins. They are plants that thrive in calcareous soils and require plenty of sunlight for their rhizomes to "cook" in summer and bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

'Burnt Toffee', of unknown origin, is a true gift from chance and nature. It reaches a height of 90cm (35in) when in bloom, with 7 to 9 flower buds on each branch of its 3-branch ramified stem. The clump spreads indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, slightly glaucous green, with parallel veins. In April, floral stems appear, which will produce large flowers in May-June, opening from the top down to the lower branches. The very rich and distinctive colour of this plant, as is always the case with Garden Irises, is enhanced by the silky texture of the upright petals and the drooping sepals. The colour palette includes shades of mauve, pink-brown, golden bronze, with a touch of muted red. It is worth noting that the flower is fragrant.

Schreiner (U.S.A), 1977, unknown parents.

To accompany irises, choose plants that meet their specific needs (exposure, soil, etc.), have a "respectful" growth habit towards irises (low-growing or light-foliaged plants), and complement them decoratively (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gaura plants provide little shade to irises and keep the iris bed attractive throughout summer. Eschscholzia plants also tolerate dry soil like irises. Perennial geraniums, sage, and Libertia also pair well with irises. Steep slopes and terraced edges can be stabilized by dense plantings of old diploid varieties that require little care. If the goal is more ornamental and easier access for care, modern varieties can be chosen, such as intermediates that are less likely to be literally flattened by wind and rain than tall varieties.

When planting against a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. Of course, shorter and earlier varieties can be planted in the foreground.

Border of a pathway: the realm of dwarf irises under 40cm (16in), as well as intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but flower with the tall varieties.

Border of a flowerbed: the domain of irises...border irises but also dwarfs, 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 bed, iris garden: the paradise of iris enthusiasts, where the choice of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance, etc.) reflects individual taste. The use of bearded irises of all sizes allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of reblooming irises offers a few extra flowers in late summer or autumn, depending on the climate.

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