Iris germanica Dutch Chocolate - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Dutch Chocolate' is a variety of bearded iris that is quite old, always appreciated for its chocolate brown colour with red highlights, which is very uniform, as well as for its pleasant fragrance. A warm and rich colour, further enhanced by a golden glow in the heart of the flower and bronze beards. Its floral stems are proud and the flowers bloom for 4 weeks. Under favourable conditions, the plant produces new blooms in autumn. Stunning in front of the Black Lace elderberry!

The 'Dutch Chocolate' 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 disputed origins revolving around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins.

The 'Dutch Chocolate' Iris is a tall variety, reaching a height of 89 cm (35in) when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branched stem that bears several flower buds. The clump spreads very quickly, and indefinitely over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, with prominent veins. In April floral stems appear which will produce flowers in April-May, usually at the beginning of the iris season, blooming from the top down towards the lower branches. The rich colour of this plant is, as always with bearded irises, magnified by the silky and velvety texture of the petals and sepals. This Dutch Chocolate variety is pleasantly fragrant. It has given rise to more than 20 newer varieties.

Schreiner 1970 hybridization - Awards: Honorable mention in 1971, Award of Merit in 1973

To accompany the irises, choose plants based on their needs (sunlight, soil), their "respectful" growth habit vis-a-vis irises (low-growing plants or light foliage), and how they complement each other visually (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gauras won't create a lot of shade and will keep the bed attractive throughout summer once the irises have flowered. Eschscholzia, like irises, will be content with dry and poor soil. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilised by a dense planting of old diploid varieties that can remain in place and require little care. 

Tall irises can be planted at the base of a very sunny wall, protected from the wind. Place them in the background of shorter and earlier varieties. The vegetable garden can also accommodate a few clumps of irises, as the classic place dedicated to the cultivation of cut flowers.