Iris germanica Guatemala

'Iris germanica 'Guatemala' is a variety of tall garden iris, rather early, very floriferous, with an uncommon but quite charming colour. Clearly bicoloured, frizzled without excess, its flowers are pleasantly fragrant. The plant quickly forms beautiful, highly blooming clumps in spring. This variety has been awarded in iris competitions. It will thrive in the sun, in well-drained soil, including soil that is alkaline or dry in summer.

The 'Guatemala' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant. It forms clumps of upright leaves from spring and its foliage disappears in winter. Iris germanica 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. 'Guatemala' is a tall variety, reaching 90 cm (35in) in height when in flower. Its floral stem has 2 or 3 branches and it bears 8 to 12 flower buds. The clump will spread quickly and indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long, glaucous green, heavily veined sword-shaped leaves. In April the floral stems appear which will produce flowers in May, more or less early depending on the climate, blooming from the top down towards the lower branches. Each flower consists of 3 erect petals of bluish-white tinged with reddish-purple at the base and slightly infused with coppery gold, 3 bluish-white styles with a chamois crest, and 3 light brown to ecru sepals with slightly darker veins. The centre of the flower is adorned with 3 hairy beards with a mandarin base and rusty brown tips. The colouring of this plant is, as always with bearded Irises, enhanced by the texture of the silky and iridescent petals and sepals. This variety has a delicious fragrance that somewhat resembles biscuit.

Obtained by Tomas Johnson, 2005.

Awards: Honourable Mention in 2007 - Award of Merit in 2010.

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.

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