Iris germanica Lark Ascending - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica 'Lark Ascending' is a large garden iris, offering a long and majestic flowering period with flowers of an almost pure white, animated by imposing mandarin beards. Its beautiful flowers, elegantly undulating, bloom in large numbers for almost 3 weeks, well distributed on very tall stems. This sculptural variety should be placed in the sun and protected from bad weather to preserve its flowering.

Iris 'Lark Ascending' is a rhizomatous perennial plant that develops in spring in elegantly upright clumps, with its foliage disappearing in winter. It belongs to the family of irises. It is one of the many cultivars obtained for centuries, whose controversial origin is discussed around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins. They are plants that thrive in limestone soils and require plenty of sunlight, with their rhizomes needing to "bake" in summer sun in order to flower. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

 'Lark Ascending' will reach a height of 1m (3ft) 10cm (4in) when in bloom, with 8 to 9 double buds, and a guaranteed long flowering period. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favor of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped leaves, a slightly glaucous green, with parallel veins. In April, flower stems appear, which will give tightly packed flowers in May, opening from the top towards the lower branches. The color of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, enhanced by the iridescent texture of the upright petals and the trailing sepals. The beautiful and prominent mandarin orange beard adds to the appeal of this almost white, slightly yellow-tinted large flower.

Bred by Ben Hager, 1996.

To accompany the irises, low-growing plants or those with light foliage that complement the flowering and have compatible cultural requirements should be chosen. For example, Gaura will cast little shade on the irises and will keep the bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzia will be content with a dry soil in summer, just like the irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises, as it is also a classic place for family flower cutting.