Iris Spot - Bearded Iris

Iris 'Spot' has the ability to produce two flowerings in a year: the first in late spring, and the second in October, if the plant has rich soil and does not lack water at the end of summer. It gets its name 'Spot' from the small area of sparkling white that extends from its immaculate beard. This touch of light gives this bright blue-violet flower personality and style. Shelter it from the wind, for example against a wall, so that its long flower stalks do not bend.

Iris 'Spot' is a rhizomatous, deciduous perennial plant that develops elegantly upright clumps in spring. It belongs to the family of Iridaceae. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, whose controversial origin is debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that Garden Iris has European origins. They thrive in limestone soils and require at least half a day of full sun to flower well.

'Spot' reaches 1.10m (4ft) in height when flowering, it is a tall variety that may require staking. 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, glaucous green leaves, with parallel veins running through them. This variety flowers for the first time in June, at the end of the Grand Iris season. Floral stems appear in May which bloom from the top towards the lower branches. If it does not lack water or nutrients, it will produce more flowers in early autumn. The colour is enhanced by the texture of the petals and sepals.

Bourdillon, 2004.

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

Against a wall, the relative shelter from the wind allows the use of tall irises. Of course, shorter and earlier varieties can be planted in the foreground.

Path border: the realm of dwarf irises less than 40 cm (16in) tall, up to intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, medium-sized but flowering with the tall ones.

Mass planting border: the domain of border irises, but also dwarfs, depending on the circumstances.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, to be chosen according to the position (foreground, background) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Iris bed, iris garden: the paradise of the iris lover where the choice of varieties reflects taste. The use of the full range of bearded irises allows for two and a half months of flowers in spring. The choice of perpetual irises offers some additional flowers in late summer or autumn, depending on the climate.

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