Iris Robe du soir - Bearded Iris

Iris Robe du soir is a tall bearded iris with a brilliantly bicoloured flower, in pink and purple, enhanced with orange. A combination of strong colours that gives it character and is eye-catching in flower beds. It blooms between the middle and end of the iris season, in May-June.

Iris Robe du soir is a rhizomatous, deciduous perennial plant that develops elegantly upright clumps. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over the centuries, whose controversial origin is debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that bearded irises have European origins. They thrive in chalky soils and need plenty of sunlight, with their rhizomes needing to 'cook' in summer to bloom well. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

Robe du soir will reach a height of 85 cm (34in) when in bloom, with several buds per stem. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped, slightly glaucous green leaves, crossed by parallel veins. Floral stems appear in April and produce bicoloured flowers in May-June, blooming from the top to the bottom. They consist of 3 upright, light pink almost lilac petals, dominating 3 almost horizontal, slightly undulated, cream pink sepals, widely bordered by purple. The long and thick beards are orange. The colour is enhanced by the thick and iridescent texture of the floral parts.

Obtained by Cayeux, 2015.

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), growth (low-growing plants or light foliage, non-competitive plants), decorative appearance and flowering date. For example, Gaura will provide little shade to irises and will keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate dry soil in summer, just like irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also complement irises very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges can be stabilised by a dense planting of old varieties that require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for maintenance is possible, choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates, which are less likely to be blown down by the wind and rain.

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