Iris germanica Carl and Sissy - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Carl and Sissy' is a variety of tall garden iris that is not widely distributed, which dominates spring flower beds with its tall stem adorned with large bicoloured flowers in shades of violet in mid-season. The petals are a pearly mauve-blue, dominating the darker sepals, which have a violet-purple colour with silver reflections on the edges. The throat, lightly marked, is veined with white around the retouched blue beard with a touch of rust brown. An elegant iris, with a beautiful presence in flower beds and rock gardens.

The 'Carl and Sissy' iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, with an upright tufted habit. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. 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.

 'Carl and Sissy' is a particularly tall variety, reaching 1.10m (4ft) to 1.20m (4ft) in height when in flower, with a strong stem from the rhizome, carrying several flower buds. The clump will spread very quickly, 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 and highly veined. In April, floral stems appear, which will give flowers in May, opening from the top to the lower branches. The colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals. It should be noted that this variety has a slight musky fragrance.

Obtained by Paul Black, 2002. (Mellow magic x Born beautiful) x (Enchanting x Ruth black), variety awarded an Honorable Mention in 2004 and an Award of Merit in 2007

To accompany irises, plants should be chosen based on their needs (exposure, soil...), non-competitive vegetation for their rhizomes (low plants or light foliage), and their complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gaura plants will provide little shade to the irises and will keep the flower bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzia plants, like irises, will thrive in dry and poor soil. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilized by dense plantings of vigorous old varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and easier access for care, modern varieties can be chosen, such as intermediates, which are often very floriferous and less likely to bend in the wind or rain than tall varieties.

At the base of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind, tall irises can be used. They can be planted in the background behind shorter and early-flowering varieties.

Border: the entire range can be used, from dwarf early varieties to tall irises flowering in May, including intermediates (in terms of size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but flower at the same time as tall irises. Tall irises with heavy flowers, exposed to the wind, are likely to be flattened if not staked.

Massif border: border irises as well as dwarf irises.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, in the front or back, depending on the size of neighboring plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: A judicious choice allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. Choosing "remontant" irises offers some additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

The vegetable garden can accommodate a few clumps of irises, as it is also a place dedicated to growing cut flowers.