Iris germanica Inferno - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Inferno' is a variety of tall bearded iris which represented a beautiful breakthrough in red when it was created in 1973, as a colour that is not naturally present in irises. Its exact colour is a dark reddish wine with hints of plum and ruby. Brunette orange beards reign in the centre of the flower. Among the tallest, with beautiful violet-tinged foliage, flowering in the middle of the Iris season, 'Inferno' adds a particularly rich and warm colour to flowerbeds.

The 'Inferno' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps. Its deciduous foliage disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. This plant belongs to the family Iridaceae. 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.

The 'Inferno' Iris is a tall variety, reaching 1m (3ft) in height when in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branching stem that carries several flower buds. The clump spreads very quickly and indefinitely over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, strongly veined, with a violet tint at the base. In April floral stems appear which bloom progressively from the top down towards to the lower branches in May-June. The dramatic colour of this plant is, as always with Bearded Irises, magnified by the velvety texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner in 1973 - Award: Honourable Mention in 1976

To accompany the irises, choose plants to associate with them 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 won't create a lot of shade and will keep the bed attractive throughout summer once the irises have flowered. Eschscholzia, like irises, will be content with dry and poor soil. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilised by a dense planting of old diploid varieties that can remain in place and require little care. 

Tall irises can be grown at the base of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind. Plant them in the background of shorter and earlier varieties. The vegetable garden can also host a few clumps of irises, as the place dedicated to growing cut flowers.