Iris germanica Lady Friend

Iris germanica Lady Friend is a variety of tall Bearded Iris that is already ancient, but still a safe bet for iris enthusiasts. Beyond the unusual colouring of its flower, which combines deep pink-red, raspberry, and orange, this variety stands out for its vigour and floriferousness. The plant quickly spreads in dense clumps, with each rhizome producing several stems, each with numerous buds. It is an early cultivar, with a tall habit that makes a big impact in sunny beds and rockeries. Its flower stems are also highly appreciated for making bouquets.

Lady Friend is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops 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. They are plants that thrive in calcareous soils and require plenty of sunlight, with their rhizomes needing to 'cook' in summer to be able to flower. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

Lady Friend will reach 90 cm (35in) in height when in bloom, and it is a variety that should be placed in areas not too exposed to wind and rain. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, with a slightly glaucous green colour and parallel veins. In April floral stems appear, which will produce large flowers (at least 8 per stem) that are rather tall and narrow, with a slight undulation, opening from the top down towards the lower branches. The very rich colour of this plant is, as always with Irises, magnified by the silky texture of the upright petals and the drooping sepals.

Bred by Ghio (USA), 1981. (Parents: Indian Territory x Country Man)

Awards: HM (Honorable Mention) in 1983, AM (Award of Merit) in 1985.

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.

At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. Of course, shorter and earlier varieties can be planted in the foreground.

Lining a pathway: the realm of dwarf irises under 40 cm (16in), up to intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but flower with the tall ones.

Edge of a flower bed: the domain of border irises but also dwarf varieties, depending on the circumstances.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, chosen according to the position (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: the paradise of iris enthusiasts where the choice of varieties (shape, colour, fragrance...) reflects each person's taste. The use of the full range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of so-called reblooming irises offers some additional flowers in late summer or autumn, depending on the climate.

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