Iris germanica Innocent Star

Iris germanica 'Innocent Star' bears very pretty speckled flowers tinted with a soft beetroot red on a pale yellow background. This unusual flowering occurs first in spring, then again in late summer or early autumn, reliably in most climates. The corollas of this iris also emit a slight sweet fragrance. Like all reblooming irises, it is a prolific variety that spreads rapidly and requires fertile soil that is not too dry in late summer to fulfill its promise.

The 'Innocent Star' Iris is a perennial rhizomatous plant that develops in elegant clumps from spring, 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.

'Innocent Star' is classified in the category of 'plicata' irises, whose floral parts are powdered, speckled, and striped with a colour contrasting with the lighter background colour of the flower. This variety measures approximately 80 cm (32in) in height when in bloom. 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 with a slightly glaucous green colour, traversed by parallel veins. This variety blooms in the middle of the Tall Iris season, and again in October if it does not lack water, sun, or nutrients. In April floral stems appear that will give flowers which bloom from the top down to the lower branches in May. The flowers, of a good size, are composed of 2 upright petals strongly tinted with beetroot purple-red on a cream background, dominating 3 veined and powdered drooping sepals of the same beetroot-purple tone, on a cream-yellow background. The hairy beards, located at the base of the petals, are orange, highlighted by a small lavender area.

Obtained by Sutton, 1999. (Innocence Abroad (x) Rock Star).

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. 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. This 'Innocent Star' variety pairs well with achillea Summer Wine, stipas, or bush roses with purple, white, or pale yellow flowers. Its lightly scented flowers are also much appreciated in bouquets.

At the foot of a wall: the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. You can also plant shorter and earlier varieties in the foreground.

Alongside a path: the realm of early dwarf irises under 40 cm (16in), up to intermediates (in size and earliness) and so-called border irises, of medium size but flowering with the tall ones.

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

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

Iris bed, iris garden: the paradise of the iris enthusiast where the choice of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflects individual taste. The use of the entire range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of reblooming irises offers a few additional flowers in late summer or autumn, depending on the climate.

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