Iris (sk. germanica) 'FLAMMENSCHWERT' bearded iris

This bearded iris celebrates its jubilee this year – having been introduced in 1920 it is exactly 100 years old. It belongs among many achievements of the most important iris breeders in Germany Max Josef Goos and August Könemann from the Goos&Koenemann Nursery. Its name Flammenschwert (Fiery Sword) says it all. It makes glowing golden yellow standards and deep maroon red to almost burgundy brown-red zebra-patterned falls. It has a faint perfume and is a midseason bloomer producing flowers from mid May until the first decade of June. Sword-like leaves are deciduous, pale green. Stems are 60-70 cm tall.

Hybrid varieties of bearded iris thrive in full sun and should be planted in well-drained but moist soil of any pH. Various sources say different things about pH requirements, however, truth is that if the soil is reasonably fertile acidity does not play a significant role. Do not mistake them for water irises which do like wet and boggy conditions, these hybrids might rot it such environment.

The plants spread with their rhizomes but are not invasive. Unwanted new rhizomes can easily be dug out and transplanted somewhere else. The rhizomes like warmth so if your garden beds are mulched reduce its amount above iris’ roots to minium. Occasional fertilizing is welcome to enhance flowering and plant health. Thanks to showy flowers and variability of colours available they will be both a perfect companion plants for others as well as great features in any landscape design. Fully hardy to min. -40°C (USDA zone 3.

Last update 06-06-2020