Iris germanica Flamant Rose - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Flamant Rose' is a variety of tall garden iris that is quite difficult to find, but making a comeback for its robustness, its divine powdery pink colour, and its delicate fragrance. It offers large slightly undulated flowers, finely frizzed, in a light pastel pink with a slight salmon hue. The whole is warmed by a more orange glow in the heart of the corolla as well as by thick beards of a beautiful orange. 'Flamant Rose' will work wonders in a romantic bed alongside light blooms such as chamomiles or Anthriscus Ravenswing, for example.

The Iris 'Flamant Rose' is a rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps. Its deciduous foliage disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. This plant belongs to the family Iridaceae. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin revolves around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins.

The 'Flamant Rose' Iris will reach between 80 and 90 cm (32 and 35in) in height when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branched stem that bears several flower buds. The clump will spread very quickly, with no theoretical limit 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, strongly veined. In April floral stems appear which will give rise to flowers in May-June, in the middle of the tall iris flowering season, which bloom along the highest to the lowest stems. The sublime colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals. This variety is pleasantly fragrant.

Unknown breeder.

To accompany the irises, choose plants based on their requirements (sunlight, soil), their "respectful" growth habit alongside irises (low plants or light foliage), and how they complement each other visually (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gauras will cast little shade on the irises and will keep the iris bed attractive all summer after flowering. Eschscholzia will thrive like the iris in dry soil in summer. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilised by dense planting of old diploid varieties that can stay in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible, modern varieties can be chosen, for example intermediates that will be less prone than tall ones to being literally flattened by wind and rain.

Tall irises can be used at the foot of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind. They can be planted in the background of shorter and earlier varieties. The vegetable garden can accommodate a few clumps of iris, as it is also the place dedicated to growing cut flowers.