Iris germanica English Cottage - Bearded Iris

'Iris germanica 'English Cottage' is a rather old variety of bearded iris offering large, fragrant flowers twice a year. They are almost white, discreetly sprinkled with violet, composed of undulating petals and sepals barely hiding a soft and white beard in perfect harmony. This variety has proven itself; endowed with exceptional vigour that allows it to faithfully bloom every year, early in the season and again in September. Bearded irises are robust and drought-resistant plants that easily naturalise in the garden. 

The 'English Cottage' Iris is a perennial rhizomatous and deciduous plant, forming an upright clump starting in spring. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over the centuries, whose controversial origins revolve around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins. 'English Cottage' will reach a height of 85 cm (34in) when in flower, with numerous buds - a guarantee of a long flowering period. The clump will spread rapidly and in theory indefinitely over time, as the central rhizomes thin out in favour of the outer ones. It has an elegant upright habit forming a dense clump. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green and highly veined. In April branched floral stems appear, each giving rise to flowers that are staggered on the stems and blooming progressivley from the top to the lower branches in early May. The powerful fragrance of this plant is one of its major assets, and, as always with Bearded Irises, the colour of the floral parts is enhanced by their satiny texture. Note that perpetual varieties are more demanding than others, and their growth is even more vigorous.

Obtained by Zurbrigg in 1976.

To accompany the irises, choose plants that thrive in sunny and dry soil conditions, preferably low-growing or with light foliage to avoid shading them, and pay attention to how they complement each other (appearance, flowering period). Gaura, for example, meets these three criteria, and its later flowering will keep the flower bed attractive all through summer. Eschscholzia, like irises, will be satisfied with a dry and poor soil. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also go very well with them. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilised by dense plantings of old diploid varieties that can remain in place and require very little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, one can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediate irises that are less likely to be knocked over by wind and rain compared to tall irises.