Iris Sharper Image - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris 'Sharper Image' (TB) is a tall variety of bearded iris with large flowers between mid and late spring. They are perfectly balanced and illuminate flower beds with their immaculate snow white, barely speckled with pale lavender. The plant rapidly develops into lush clumps that flower in beds and borders for a few weeks.

Iris 'Sharper Image' is a rhizomatous, deciduous perennial plant, with vigorous upright clumps. It belongs to the Iridaceae family, like Crocus, Gladiolus, or Crocosmia. Iris germanica, commonly known as bearded or German iris, is probably the result of hybridization between different botanical species. It belongs to the bearded iris group (due to the fine crest present on the sepals) and is the most commonly grown in gardens.
Sharper Image is a tall variety that reaches 105 cm (41in) high when flowering, with a strong floral stem supported by a rhizome and bearing numerous flower buds. The clump spreads rapidly, becoming as wide as it is tall, or even wider, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long, slightly arched sword-shaped, glaucous green leaves, arranged in a fan. Large floral stems appear in April which bloom in May or June depending on the climate, with large flowers measuring 12-14 cm (5-6in) wide that open from the top to the lower branches. They are pure white and formed by 3 sepals that stretch almost horizontally, topped by 3 upright petals that hide the style (female reproductive part). The sepals have a short pastel lavender beard at their base, and their surface has wavy edges, the vertical petals are pleasantly crinkled. Their silky texture is particularly attractive and ornamental.

Obtained by Black in 2005.

Awards: Honorable Mention in 2007, Award of Merit in 2010.

Iris are easy to associate with other plants. Just keep in mind that you will need to divide the clumps every 3 or 4 years, so leave enough available space. By associating early-blooming Iris with Sharper Image, you can spread the flowering season over about 2 months, beyond that, the choice is endless. Oenothera speciosa 'Twilight' or Evening Primrose is a low-growing perennial happy in well-drained soils and sunny exposures that Iris love and from June to September, it produces pretty pale pink flowers that will take over from your Iris. Gaura, in its many varieties with small airy white, pink, or almost red flowers, will also be a perfect companion. Daylilies will also extend the flowering season, Amadeus is a very beautiful deep red variety that will spice up your mixed flower bed!