Iris Sunset Sky - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris 'Sunset Sky' is an old variety of Grand Garden Iris that is always appreciated for its generous large, fringed flowers in the colours of the setting sun. Their yellow petals dominate the sepals, which are washed with pink and bordered with yellowish-brown. The whole is enhanced by yellow beards. Its well-flowered floral stems make a big impact in spring beds.

Iris 'Sunset Sky' is a rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps. Its deciduous foliage disappears in autumn and reappears in spring. This plant belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with a controversial origin based on the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Garden Irises have European origins.

Irs 'Sunset Sky' will reach a height of 90 cm (35in) in bloom. Each rhizome produces a branched stem that carries up to 6 flower buds. The clump spreads very quickly, with no theoretical limit over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped, glaucous green leaves, with strong veins. Floral stems appear in April and produce flowers in May, in the middle of the season for tall irises, blooming from the top down to the lower branches. The colour is magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by Bernice Roe in 1968 - Award: Premio Firenze in Florence in 1974

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), vegetation (low plants or light foliage, non-competitive plants), decorative appearance and flowering date. For example, Gauras will cast little shade on the irises and will keep the faded iris bed attractive all summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate dry soil in summer, just like irises. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also accompany irises very well. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges will be stabilized by a dense planting of old varieties that require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible, one can choose more modern varieties, for example intermediates that will be less likely than tall irises to be literally knocked down by wind and rain.

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