Iris germanica Honky Tonk Blues

The 'Honky Tonk Blues' Iris germanica is a variety of tall bearded iris that has won multiple awards in international competitions. The plant is vigorous and particularly floriferous, with stems that bear up to 10 flower buds. Its flowers are large, all ruffled, and their colour is a beautiful pale blue that fades at the edges. The plant quickly forms beautiful clumps that will flower for several weeks in spring.

The 'Honky Tonk Blues' Iris is a deciduous perennial plant with a rhizomatous habit, forming upright clumps. It belongs to the Iridaceae family, like all irises. 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. 'Honky Tonk Blues' is a tall variety, reaching 95 cm (37in) in height when flowering, with a strong floral stem supported by a rhizome and bearing numerous flower buds. The clump will quickly spread indefinitely over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long, glaucous green, highly veined sword-shaped leaves. In April the floral stems appear, which will give flowers in May, earlier or later depending on the climate, blossoming from the top downwards to the lower branches. The pastel colour 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 sweet sugary fragrance.

Obtained by Schreiner in 1988.

Awards: Honourable Mention in 1990 - Walther Cup in 1990 - Award of Merit in 1992 - Wister Medal in 1994 - American Dykes Medal in 1995.

To accompany 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.