Iris germanica Gold Galore

The 'Gold Galore' German Iris is a true dose of spring sun for the garden. This tall Bearded Iris bears up to 8 flower buds that open into classically shaped, well-balanced, fragrant, and vibrant yellow flowers. The powerful and almost uniform colour is rarely seen in these plants and is only slightly paler around the large golden beards. This old variety, once awarded, remains a reliable choice for iris enthusiasts.

The 'Gold Galore' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops in spring into elegantly upright clumps, with foliage disappearing in winter. 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. They are plants that thrive in calcareous soils and require ample sunlight for their rhizomes to 'cook' in summer in order to flower. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

'Gold Galore' will reach 90 cm (35in) in height when in bloom, with 6 to 8 buds per stem. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, of a slightly glaucous green colour, with parallel veins running through them. In April, floral stems appear that will give rise to flowers that bloom from the top down towards the lower branches in May. The dazzling colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, enhanced by the thick and iridescent texture of the petals and sepals. It is worth noting that the flower has a pleasant fragrance.

Created by Schreiner, 1978

Award: HM (Honourable Mention) in 1980, AM (Award of Merit) in 1982.

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.

Against a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows the use of tall irises. Shorter and early-blooming varieties can also be planted in the foreground.

Alongside a pathway: the realm of dwarf irises of less than 40 cm (16in), up to intermediates (in size and earliness), and border irises, medium-sized but which flower with the tall ones.

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

Mixed border: the full range of sizes can be used, chosen based on the space available (foreground, background) and the size of surrounding plants.

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

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