Iris × germanica is the accepted name for a species of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae commonly known as the bearded iris^[2] or the German bearded iris.^[3] It is one of a group of hybrid origin.^[4]:87 Varieties include I. × g. var. florentina.

Description

Iris × germanica grows up to 120 cm high and 30 cm wide.^[5] The roots can go up to 10 cm deep and it is a rhizomatous perennial that blooms mid to late spring. Hundreds of hybrids exist representing nearly every colour from jet black to sparkling whites, except bright scarlet.^{[citation needed]}

Biochemistry

It is known to produce the isoflavone irilone,^[6] and several analytical studies have been made from the rhizomes.^[7]

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes. This can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.^[8] It has had its chromosome counted several times; 2n=44, Banerji & Chaudhuri, 1972; 2n=28, Mao 1986; 2n=44 Sopova 1982; 2n=44, Váchová & Feráková, 1986 and 2n=44, Lovka, 1995.^[9]

Taxonomy

It is most commonly known as ‘bearded iris’ and in the UK occasionally as ‘common German flag’.^[10]

It was first published and described by Carl Linnaeus in his book ‘Species Plantarum‘ on page 38 in 1753.^[1][11][12]

Iris germanica is an accepted name by the RHS,^[10] and it was verified by United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service on 8 May 1996.^[11]

It is a European hybrid, rather than a true wild species.^[5] I. germanica is considered to have been a natural hybrid between Iris pallida and Iris variegata Linnaeus, both of which also have the chromosome number 2n = 24.^[13]

Distribution and habitat

Iris germanica is thought to be originated in mediterranean Europe.^[11][10]

Range

It is widely naturalized across Europe.^[9]

Cultivation

It prefers to grow in full sun, with well-drained soil. It normally most of its leaves over the winter period.^[9] After it has flowered and during dry conditions through the summer is best time to divide and transplant.

Propagation

It can be propagated by seed and by division.^[13]

Hybrids and cultivars

It has many cultivars and hybrid forms. These are a few known I. germanica cultivars; ‘Adriatic Shores’, ‘Amas’, ‘Askabadensis’, ‘Baveilles’, ‘Belouinii’, ‘Biliotti’, ‘Black Prince’, ‘Col Du Chat’, ‘Cretan’, ‘Crimson King’, ‘Croatica’, ‘Deflexa’, ‘Florentina’, ‘Fontarabie’, ‘Germanica’ ‘Germanica Alba’, ‘Germanica Caerulea’, ‘Germanica Major’, ‘Germanica Marmorata’, ‘Germanica Maxima’ ‘Germanica Violacea’, ‘Germanica Vulgaris’, ‘Gnome’, ‘Gypsy Queen’, ‘Istria’, ‘Junonia’, ‘Kharput’, ‘Kirman’, ‘Kochii’, ‘Kurdistan’, ‘Lemperg Purple’, ‘Macrantha’, ‘Nepalensis, ‘Oriflamme’, ‘Paladin’, ‘Purple King’, ‘Seattle’ ‘Sivas’; ‘Srinagar’, ‘Thun’, ‘Turchino’, ‘Varbosiana’ and ‘Varbossana’.^[9]

In culture

Irises by Vincent Van Gogh,1890

In Iran and Kashmir,^[14] Iris kashmiriana and Iris × germanica^[15] are most commonly grown on Muslim^[16] grave yards.^[8][17][18]

It has frequently been painted including ‘Iris’ (see right) and ‘Irises‘ both by Vincent Van Gogh.^[19]

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