IRIS GERMANICA - 'GOLDEN ECLIPSE'

Iris germanica, the German Iris, is a species in the genus Iris in the Iridaceae  family. Iris germanica grows up to 120 cm high and 30 cm wide. The roots can go up to 10 cm deep. It is a rhizomatous perennial that blooms in mid-Spring to early Summer. Lifting, dividing and replanting the rhizomes is best done once flowering has finished as this is when the plant grows the new shoots that will flower the following year. The rhizomes are placed on the surface of the soil facing towards the sun and with at least 45 cm of open ground in front of them - this allows two years growth and flowering.

The plant is held in place by removing half the leaf mass to reduce wind rock and by using the old roots as anchors in the soil. The rhizome is placed on well dug ground and the roots placed either side into 10cm deep grooves. The soil os then gently firmed around the roots, so holding the plant steady. New roots and leaves are created rapidly as the rhizome moves forwards. Hundreds of hybrids exist representing every colour from jet black to sparkling whites. The only colour really missing is bright scarlet. It is a European hybrid, rather than a true wild species.

This specimen shown here is the hybrid 'Golden Eclipse', with lovely large, fragrant blooms.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.