Iris Inviting - Bearded iris

'Iris 'Inviting' is a variety of Tall Bearded Iris with iridescent, deep violet flowers. The monochrome flower with wavy petals and sepals is a clear dark violet, barely marked with a white halo around the beards, which are themselves white. An iris that is both dark and bright, with a late flowering, and a remarkable presence in flower beds and rock gardens.

The 'Inviting' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous, upright perennial plant. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin is debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins.

'Inviting', of unknown origin, is a tall variety, which will reach a height of 1m when in bloom, with strong stems carrying several flower buds. The clump will spread very quickly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped, glaucous green and highly veined leaves. In April, floral stems appear, with flowers blooming from the top to the bottom in May-June. The powerful and deep colour of this plant is, as always with Garden Irises, enhanced by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Schreiner, 2016.

To accompany irises, choose plants that have similar requirements in terms of soil and exposure. Opt for low-growing species or those with light foliage, which do not obstruct the light needed by the irises and do not compete with them, while offering staggered or non-staggered flowering. Gaura, for example, maintain visual appeal throughout the summer and hide the foliage of the Iris after flowering. California Poppies and love-in-a-mist, which tolerate dry soil, go well with the needs of irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertias are also good companions that extend the flowering period. At the base of a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows for the use of tall irises. If you are concerned about climatic uncertainties, choose intermediate iris varieties, which offer better resistance to wind and rain. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges can be stabilised by a dense planting of old varieties that can remain in place and require little care.

The vegetable garden can be enhanced with a few clumps or borders of irises for cut flowers.