Iris germanica Domino Noir - Tall bearded iris

Iris germanica 'Domino Noir' is a variety of Bearded Iris with well-branched flowering stems. It produces captivating flowers with striking contrasts, combining almost pure white with deep violet, nearly black. The long flowering stems that emerge in spring each bear several flower buds. The flower unfurls its white petals delicately edged with violet, towering over the sepals, which have the texture of midnight velvet, dotted with a golden-yellow beard. This easy to grow, tall bearded iris stands out in flower beds.

The Iris is the flagship genus of the Iridaceae family, which owes its name to it. Iris germanica, native to Syria, is considered the ancestor of modern Bearded Irises, also known as Garden Irises, through a long history of successive hybridisations.
Iris 'Domino Noir' is a creation by Cayeux, a nursery in the Loiret region specialising in Iris production and breeding since the late 19th century. Registered in 2012 and released in 2013, this hybrid is the result of numerous cross-breedings involving no fewer than four varieties: 'Magnétisme', 'Sixtine C.', and 'Futuriste'. 'Domino Noir' is a variety that will reach 85 cm in height. The mid-season flowering occurs in average climates from mid-May to mid-June, earlier in mild climates and later in colder ones. The clumps of long, glaucous green, sword-shaped leaves with tapered tips produce long, branched flowering stems in spring, each bearing several flower buds. In early May, the buds begin to open, initially revealing only the tips of the black petals. Then, the three sepals, arranged in a triangle, spread apart to reveal the white petals. Finally, the six floral parts unfold, with the petals standing upright while the sepals spread horizontally before gracefully arching downward. The almost immaculately white petals are delicately wavy at the edges, subtly highlighted by a fine violet border. The very dark violet sepals appear black depending on the light, and their surface seems velvety. Their colour is accentuated by a golden-yellow beard, creating a striking contrast. The exceptionally elegant, large flowers, about 13cm wide, tastefully blend opposites with a vibrant touch and bloom for around three weeks, drawing all eyes in the garden.

Iris 'Domino Noir' offers a bold and elegant contrast. Incorporate it into a mixed flower bed alongside other flowering plants, perennials, bulbs, and bushes to extend the flowering season. Soapwort, which thrives under similar growing conditions, will help create a border carpet for your flower bed, covered in small pink flowers from May to July. In the background, plant a Japanese Spirea 'Snowmound', which will be adorned with white garlands in April-May. And to brighten your summer, nothing beats a Crape Myrtle, a flowering bush that combines elegance and exuberance.