Iris Virgule - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris 'Virgule' is a bearded iris that is distinguished and full of character. Its bicoloured flowers display a magnificent contrast of colours, between white and dark violet-blue, enhanced by beautiful golden-yellow beards that give them a unique personality. In the garden, its tall, eye-catching stems dominate the flowerbeds. They bloom for about three weeks towards the end of the iris season. Large irises are excellent perennials for slopes and dry soil.

Iris 'Virgule' is a rhizomatous, deciduous perennial that develops elegantly upright clumps. It belongs to the Iris family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over the centuries, whose controversial origin is debated based on the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that bearded irises have European origins. They thrive in chalky soils and need plenty of sunshine, with their rhizomes needing to "cook" in summer to bloom well. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is traditionally required.

'Virgule' is a tall variety, 95 cm (37in) high when in bloom. Its flower stem is slightly wavy and sensitive to wind and rain when loaded with flowers. Each stem carries an average of 7 flower buds. The clump will spread without a theoretical limit over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide sword-shaped, slightly glaucous green leaves, with parallel veins. Floral stems appear in April-May with beautiful-sized flowers in May-June, well-formed and wavy, blooming from the top to the bottom. They consist of 3 upright chalk-white petals, 3 almost horizontal white sepals with wide dark blue-violet borders, 3 long, large, and thick golden-yellow beards, 3 styles, and 3 stamens. The colour is magnified by the thick and iridescent texture of the floral parts.

Obtained by Cayeux, 2019.

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

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