Iris germanica Lucky Locket - Bearded Iris

The 'Lucky Locket' German Iris is a border variety of iris, not very tall, which charms with its bicoloured pastel tones combining white and violet. This variety also has beautifully formed, ample and undulating flowers. In spring it brings a touch of whimsy to borders and gardens exposed to the wind.

The 'Lucky Locket' Iris is a rhizomatous and deciduous perennial plant,  forming upright clumps from spring onwards. It belongs to the family of Iridaceae. It is one of many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with debate about their disputed origins revolving around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It should be noted that Bearded Irises have European origins.

This 'Lucky Locket' variety is of modest size. It will reach a height of 60 cm (24in) when in flower and the clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes becoming bare in favour of the outer ones. The plant has an erect, elegant, dense clumping habit. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped leaves, glaucous green in colour, highly veined. In April, floral stems appear that bear several flower buds, with flowering taking place in the middle of the Iris season, in May. The flowers open progressively from the top down towards the lower branches. Its flowers consist of dominant white standard petals and almost horizontal sepals finely edged with white, tinted and veined violet on a white background, adorned with almost red beards. Irregular violet lines create a beautiful pattern on the sepals. The colour of this plant, as always with Bearded Irises, is magnified by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Obtained by George Shoop, 1981 - Award: Honorable Mention in 1983

To accompany the irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (sunlight, soil), their "respectful" growth habit vis-a-vis irises (low-growing plants or light foliage), and how they complement each other visually (appearance, flowering period). For example, Gauras won't create a lot of shade and will keep the bed attractive throughout summer once the irises have flowered. Eschscholzia, like irises, will be content with dry and poor soil. Geraniums, salvias, and Libertia also accompany irises very well. Slopes and terraced edges will be stabilised by a dense planting of old diploid varieties that can remain in place and require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible one can choose more modern varieties, such as intermediates that are less likely than tall varieties to be knocked over by wind and rain.