Iris Rouge de Plaisir - Bearded Iris

Iris 'Rouge de Plaisir'' is a very recent variety of tall bearded iris that lives up to its name. The search for true red, a pigment naturally absent in irises, is always a challenge, but this one has pleasing soft ochre red, large well-formed flowers animated by shining beards. A theatrical colour for a plant with excellent growth that will work well alongside blue or white varieties in flower beds and rock gardens.

Iris 'Rouge de Plaisir' is a perennial rhizomatous, upright, deciduous plant belonging 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 'Rouge de Plaisir' is a medium-sized variety, reaching 85 cm (34in) high when in bloom, with branched stems bearing numerous flower buds. The clump spreads very quickly, with no theoretical limit, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer ones. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped, glaucous green and highly veined leaves. Floral stems appear in April and bloom in May, at the beginning of the tall iris flowering season, from the top down. The rich colour is magnified by the thick and iridescent texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained from Cayeux in 2021

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil, etc.), their growth (low-growing plants or light foliage), appearance and flowering time. For example, Gauras will provide little shade to irises and will keep faded flower beds attractive throughout the summer. Eschscholzias will be happy with dry and poor soil, just like irises. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also complement irises well. Slopes and terraced edges can be stabilised by dense planting of vigorous old varieties that require little care. If the goal is more decorative and there is access for care, modern varieties can be chosen, such as intermediates, which are often very floriferous and less likely to bend in the wind or rain.

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