Iris Modern Woman - Bearded Iris

Iris 'Modern Woman' is a variety of large iris that stands out for its vigour and abundant, large, perfectly formed flowers. The petals have violet hues with darker centres and lighter margins. The sepals are soft pearl white blending into shaded edges of medium orchid pink. The beards are orange with white at the tips. The plant's stems spread perfectly into three branches, each carrying 8 to 9 buds that open simultaneously into three flowers. It quickly forms magnificent clumps that bloom in spring over several weeks in borders, rock gardens, or flower beds.

Iris germanica is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant that forms erect and vigorous clumps belonging to the family Iridaceae family, which also includes Crocus, Gladiolus, and Crocosmia. Iris germanica, also known as Bearded Iris or German Iris, is a species that resulted from the hybridization of different botanical species. It is a member of the Bearded Iris group, recognizable by the fine ridge present on the sepals, and one of the most commonly grown irises in gardens. They prefer neutral to alkaline soils and require sun to thrive. The rhizomes need to capture the heat of the sun during summer to ensure optimal flowering. Traditionally, a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day is required for their development.

The 'Modern Woman' variety was obtained by Thomas Johnson in 2005. It has tall stems reaching 100 to 110 cm (39 to 43in) when in bloom, that develop from the rhizomes, with well-built spikes carrying numerous flower buds. The clumps spread rapidly, without theoretical limits, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The leaves are long and sword-shaped, glaucous green with strong veins. Floral stems begin to appear in April and produce large flowers measuring 12 to 14 cm (5 to 6in) that bloom from the top to the lower branches from May until the end of June, depending on the climate. The pastel colours of this plant are enhanced by the silky and iridescent texture of the petals and sepals. This variety has a sweet and delightful fragrance.

Irises easily blend with other plants, perennials, grasses, or bushes. Remember that clumps need to be divided every 3 or 4 years, so give them enough space, in well-drained and not too compact soil. To create attractive floral displays throughout the growing season, associate irises with long-flowering perennials that tolerate dry soils, such as gauras, sages, or perennial geraniums. Columbines and California poppies (Eschscholzia) bring lightness, while clematis create an enchanting backdrop. Try foxgloves for added height and use foliage plants, such as grasses, silver wormwoods (Artemisia), or euphorbias. Dense planting of old vigorous varieties can stabilise a slope with little maintenance. Tall irises can be planted at the base of a sunny wall, sheltered from the wind with shorter and early varieties in the foreground. A few clumps of irises can also bring cheerfulness to the vegetable garden, and their beautiful flowering stems can be used to create bouquets.