Iris germanica Ghost Train

Iris germanica 'Ghost Train' is undoubtedly one of the best 'black' Bearded Irises of recent years, and its flowers are among the darkest. It abundantly produces large undulate flowers with shiny petals, ranging from dark blue to purple, on almost black sepals, slightly lighter under the dark purple beards. It stands out for its excellent floriferousness and extraordinary vigour. The base of its foliage is tinged with purple. This tall variety blooms in the middle of the iris season. It is ideal in flower beds or on slopes.

The 'Ghost Train' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant, with an upright clump-forming habit from spring onwards. 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. 'Ghost Train' reaches a height of 95 cm (37in) when in bloom and has numerous buds, a sign of a long flowering period. The clump spreads indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer ones. It has an elegant upright habit, forming a dense clump that is prolific. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green at the base with a purple hue, and highly veined. In April, 3 to 4 flower stems appear on each rhizome, each producing 7 to 11 highly undulated flowers, tightly packed on the stems, blooming from the top down to the lower branches. The colour of this plant is a very dark bluish black, with violet undertones. As always with Bearded Irises, it is enhanced by the silky and shiny texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner in 2000.

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 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.

At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. Shorter and earlier varieties can also be planted in the foreground.

To line a pathway: the entire range of irises can be used, from early dwarfs less than 40 cm (16in) in height to tall irises over 75 cm (30in) that bloom in May, including intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but bloom with the tall ones. Tall irises exposed to wind may need staking to prevent them from being knocked over.

Edge of flower bed: the domain of border irises but also dwarf varieties, depending on the circumstances.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, chosen according to the position (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Iris bed/garden: the paradise of iris enthusiasts, where the choice and arrangement of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflects individual taste. The use of the entire range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowering in spring. The choice of so-called reblooming irises offers a few additional flowers in late summer or autumn.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises, as the classic location for growing cut flowers.