Iris Natchez Trace - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris 'Natchez Trace' (TB) is a beautiful variety of tall bearded iris from the 60s that has never disappeared from catalogues. Its flowers are very large, with a beautiful texture that enhances its "red" two-tone colour, blooming over a long period on floral stems with many buds. Stunning with yellow, orange or blue varieties!

Iris 'Natchez Trace' is a rhizomatous, deciduous, upright, clump-forming perennial which 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.

Iris 'Natchez Trace' will reach 90 cm (35in) high when flowering. Each rhizome produces a well-branched stem that bears many flower buds, ensuring a long flowering period. The clump will spread very quickly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the centre rhizomes thin out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped, glaucous green, strongly veined leaves. Floral stems appear in April and bloom from the top to the bottom from the mid to late tall iris season. The large flowers are composed of 3 erect rose-red, conical petals, touching at the top, and 3 velvety, crimson brown sepals. The thick beards are bronze orange.

Obtained by Wills, 1969

To accompany iris, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), growth (low-growing plants or light foliage), decorative appearance and flowering date. For example, Gaura will cast little shade on the iris and will keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzia will be happy with dry soil in summer, just like the iris. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense planting of old diploid varieties that require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible, you can choose more modern varieties that are less likely to be laid flat by wind and rain.

Tall irises can be used at the foot of a very sunny wall, sheltered from the wind. They can be planted in the background of lower and earlier varieties. The vegetable garden can accommodate a few clumps of irises for cut flowers.