Iris germanica Invitation - Bearded Iris

The 'Invitation' German Iris is a lovely perennial variety of Bearded Iris, capable of producing two flowerings in a year: the first takes place in spring and the second in September, provided the plant has rich soil and does not lack water in summer. Its flowers will also charm with their fragrance and sorbet colour, in white and peach orange. In the centre of the corolla reign long beards with a mandarin orange base, bringing a beautiful touch of colour to the whole. This relatively stocky variety adds a lot of charm to flower beds. Delightful alongside white or blue blooms. 

The 'Invitation' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops from spring in elegantly upright clumps, with 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. These are sun-loving plants that thrive in alkaline soils and require at least 6 hours of full sun a day to flower well. 

The 'Invitation' Iris will reach approximately 85 cm (34in) in height when in bloom. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favor of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, a slightly glaucous green, traversed by parallel veins. This variety blooms for the first time at the beginning of the Tall Iris season, in May. In April floral stems appear that will produce flowers blooming progressively from the top down towards the lower branches. If it does not lack water or nutrients, this iris will produce further flowers at the end of summer. The colour of this plant is, as always with Bearded Irises, magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner, 1982. 

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 won't create a lot of shade and will keep the bed attractive throughout summer once the irises have flowered. Like irises, Eschscholzia or nigellas will be satisfied with a dry soil in summer. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also go well with irises. Slopes and terraced edges will 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, for example intermediates that will be less likely than the tall ones to be knocked down by the wind and rain.

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