Iris germanica Gérard Brière

'Gérard Brière' is a variety of bicoloured bearded iris that is characterised by uncommon colouring, sturdy flower stems, and good propagation. Its eye-catching flowers have yellow ochre petals and violet sepals with broad white centres. The plant quickly forms beautiful clumps that will bloom in the spring in flowerbeds and rock gardens for several weeks.

Iris germanica 'Gérard Brière' is a perennial rhizomatous and deciduous plant: it forms upright clumps from spring, with its foliage disappearing in autumn. Like all irises, 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. 'Gérard Brière' is a fairly robust variety, reaching approximately 80 cm (32in) in height when in bloom, with sturdy stems supported by rhizomes, bearing numerous flower buds. The clump will spread 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 the flower stems appear and in May, earlier or later depending on the climate, the flowers will bloom, opening from the top down towards the lower branches. Each flower is composed of 3 upright yellow ochre petals, browner at the edges, 3 yellow ochre styles, and 3 campanula violet sepals with a large white centre,  adorned with long bright yellow beards. The contrasting colouring of this plant is, as always with bearded Irises, enhanced by the texture of the silky and iridescent petals and sepals.

Obtained from Cayeux, 2007.

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.

The vegetable garden can accommodate a few clumps of irises, as a place dedicated to growing cut flowers.