Iris germanica Gracchus

The 'Gracchus' Iris germanica is known as an historic Tall Bearded Iris. This very old if not ancient variety, introduced in 1884, was also the first to show an ability to rebloom at the end of the season, if the autumn is mild and sunny enough. While its flowers are modest in size, they are abundantly produced in spring, with each rhizome often producing several flower stalks, which are very short for a tall Iris. The flowers of this small, lively plant are quite charming, with primrose yellow petals over strongly veined reddish-violet sepals on a white-cream background. 

The 'Gracchus' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops in spring as elegantly upright clumps, with its 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 limestone soils and require at least half a day of full sun to flower well. 

'Gracchus' will hardly exceed 70 cm (28in) in height when flowering. It is a stout variety that withstands rain and inclement weather perfectly. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, a somewhat glaucous green, with parallel veins running through them. This variety flowers in the middle of the Tall Iris season. In April floral stems appear that will produce flowers in May, blooming from the top down to the lower branches.  If it is not lacking in water, sunlight, or nutrients, it will rebloom in October. 

Obtained by Thomas Ware, 1884.

Note: a hybridization project in the U.S.A has recently attempted to reintroduce disease resistance, hardiness, and vigour to modern Tall Irises, using 'Gracchus' as the founder.

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 be planted in the foreground.

Alongside a path: the realm of dwarf irises under 40 cm (16in), up to intermediate ones (in size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but 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 entire range of sizes can be used, chosen according to the space (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Iris bed/garden: the paradise of iris lovers, where the choice of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflects each person's taste. The use of the full range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. Reblooming irises offers a few 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.