Iris germanica Chateau dAuvers-sur-Oise - Bearded Iris

The Garden Iris 'Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise' is an elegant bicoloured variety, with white petals infused with very light apricot at blooming, surmounting almost horizontal sepals of coppery apricot colour, animated by pretty mandarin beards. The floral stems of this tall iris are sturdy and well-balanced, and its flowering takes place rather early in the bearded iris season. Its nuanced shades of white and apricot will complement all white, blue or mauve flowers in spring.

'Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise' is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, with an upright tufted habit. Its foliage disappears 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 is worth noting that Garden Iris have European origins.

'Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise' is a variety that will reach 90cm (35in) in height when in bloom, with a sturdy stem supported by a rhizome, bearing 6 to 8 well-distributed flower buds along its height. 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, with a glaucous green colour and strong veining. In April, floral stems appear and will give flowers in May that open from the top to the lower branches. The very soft colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Iris, enhanced by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Cayeux in 2004.

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate based on their needs (exposure, soil...), their non-suffocating vegetation for their rhizomes (low plants or light foliage) and their complementarity (appearance, flowering time). For example, Gaura will cast little shade on irises and will keep the deflowered bed attractive all summer. Eschscholzia will be satisfied with a dry and poor soil, just like irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also go very well with irises. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilized by a dense planting of vigorous old varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and easy access for care, you can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates, often very floriferous, which are less likely to bend under the wind or rain.