Iris germanica Fashion Statement

Iris germanica 'Fashion Statement' is a variety of tall bearded iris with well-undulated flowers, like those of its parent 'Coming Up Roses'. Beautifully shaped, the flowers have medium lilac petals dominating over pinker sepals, illuminated by a wide pale lilac area surrounding vibrant orange-red beards. This vigorous variety quickly forms beautiful clumps from which, in May, emerge stems laden with numerous buds. 

'Fashion Statement' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, with an upright clumping habit. It 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.

'Fashion Statement' is a tall variety, reaching a height of 90 cm (35in) when in flower, with a solid stem per rhizome, carrying numerous flower buds. The clump will spread 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 and heavily veined. In April floral stems appear which will give rise to flowers in May, at the heart of the tall iris season, opening from the top down towards the lower branches. The colouring of the flowers is, as always with Bearded Irises, enhanced by the silky texture of the petals and sepals. 

Obtained by Joseph Gatty, Keith Keppel, 1996.

Awards: Honourable Mention in 1999, Award of Merit in 2003

To complement 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 will cast little shade and will keep the bed attractive throughout summer once the irises have flowered. California Poppies (Eschscholzia), like irises, will be satisfied with dry and poor soil. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense planting of old diploid varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible one can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates that are less likely than tall varieties to be knocked over by wind and rain.

Ttall irises can be planted at the base of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind, in the background of shorter, early-flowering varieties.