Iris germanica Crinoline - Bearded Iris

The Iris germanica 'Crinoline' is a variety of tall iris that is quite old and still charms with its vibrant bicoloured flowering. Its large undulate flowers display rich purple petals that dominate the widely bordered and speckled white sepals, all in the same tone as very ripe raspberries. The whole is enhanced by a yellow-orange throat and beards. Among the tallest, it dominates spring flower beds.

The 'Crinoline' 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 many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with debate about their controversial origins revolving around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins.

The 'Crinoline' Iris is a tall variety, reaching 95 cm (37in) in height when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branching stem that carries several flower buds. The clump spreads very rapidly and indefinitely, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, strongly veined. In April floral stems appear, which will produce flowers in April-May, somewhat towards the beginning of the Tall Iris season, blooming progressively from the top downwards to the lower branches. The colour of this plant is, as always with Bearded Irises, magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals. 

Obtained by Schreiner in 1964.

To accompany your irises, choose plants based on their similar needs (sunlight, soil), a growth habit that is "respectful" of irises (i.e. non-competitive plants which are shorter, have light foliage), and how they complement each other visually (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gauras won't create shade, and will keep the bed attractive all summer after your irises have finished flowering. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate dry soil in summer, just like irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also accompany irises very well. The earth around the base of small trees with light foliage, and on slopes and terraced edges, will be stabilised by dense planting of old varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, one can choose more modern varieties, e.g. intermediate ones that are less likely than tall ones to be flattened by wind and rain.

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