Iris germanica Seeds | German Iris
LATIN NAME: Iris germanica
COMMON NAME: German Iris
Plant Profile
Iris germanica, commonly known as German Iris, is a species in the iris family with a long record in gardens. Flowers stand out boldly, and they keep colour for days. It likes sun, and well-drained soil. All of this makes German Iris a satisfying plant to grow and to get to know.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Iris germanica ranges from the botany of the iris family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. In the iris family, the German iris holds a leading place in studies of bearded border perennials, and species appears in research on flower pigments and rhizome growth. Gardeners benefit directly from its long cultivation: what the plant will do in a garden is well understood.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, German Iris earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. In sunny border, the German iris beards late spring with rich colour. Showy flowers keep colour for days and feed bees, sword-like foliage holds tidy clumps, and rhizomes have served traditional preparations for generations. It grows well in well-drained, sunny ground. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Iris rhizomes, the orris of perfumery, yield one of the most luxurious fragrance materials after years of curing; the genus has toxic fresh rhizomes, so its medicinal history is strictly professional and its garden value immense.
Growing from Seed
German Iris grows readily from seed. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Its long record of traditional use, described above, gives the plant a story beyond ornament. Once established, German Iris largely looks after itself. The only critical period is germination, when the compost must stay evenly moist.
Related Reading
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