Iris × germanica is the accepted name for a species of flowering plants in the family Iridaceae commonly known as the bearded iris or the German bearded iris.Rudy J. Favretti and Joy P. Favretti It is of hybrid origin. Varieties include I. × g. var. florentina.

Description Iris × germanica grows up to high and wide. The roots can go up to deep and it is a rhizomatous perennial that blooms mid to late spring. Hundreds of cultivars exist representing nearly every colour from jet black to sparkling whites and red. Some cultivars are known to re-bloom in the autumn (fall).

Phytochemistry It is known to produce the isoflavone irilone, and several analytical studies have been made from the rhizomes.Shahid Akbar

Genetics As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings. 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.

Taxonomy It is most commonly known as bearded iris and in the UK occasionally as common German flag.

It was first published and described as Iris germanica by Carl Linnaeus in his book 'Species Plantarum' on page 38 in 1753. It has since been shown to be a natural hybrid involving a cross between two other European species (Iris pallida and Iris variegata) rather than a true wild species of Iris, with both parent species having the same chromosome number (2n = 24) as the hybrid offspring.

As a hybrid, according to correct scientific nomenclature, its official Latin name is Iris x germanica, according to Kew and many other botanical authorities where cross 'x' denotes its hybrid status. Despite this, Iris x germanica and its many named cultivars have been sold to gardeners under the name Iris germanica for many years, with some horticultural references, such as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) continuing to use Iris germanica as the accepted name.

Distribution and habitat Iris × germanica is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region. It is widely naturalized across Europe.

Cultivation It prefers to grow in full sun, with well-drained soil. It normally retains some of its leaves over the winter period. 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.

Hybrids and cultivars Iris × germanica has many cultivars, there are thought to be about 60,000 cultivars available. These are a few known named cultivars:

'Adriatic Shores' 'Amas' 'Askabadensis' 'Baveilles' 'Belouinii' 'Biliotti' 'Black Prince' 'Col Du Chat' 'Cretan' 'Crimson King' 'Croatica' 'Deflexa' 'Dominion' 'Dusky Challenger' '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' 'Titan's Glory' 'Turchino' 'Varbosiana' 'Varbossana'.

I. × germanica var. amas was one of the most important cultivars in the creation of the modern tetraploid tall-bearded Irises.

In Italy and Thailand, the leaves can be affected by a fungus, Torula masonii.

In culture

In Iran and Kashmir, Iris kashmiriana and Iris × germanica are commonly grown in Muslim places of burial such as cemeteries.British Iris Society (1997)

It has frequently been painted including 'Irises' (see right) and 'Irises' both by Vincent van Gogh in 1890.Jennifer Helvey

Photo gallery

See also Orris root

References

Sources Czerepanov, S. K. 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR) Cambridge University Press. Note: lists as Iris germanica L. Davis, P. H., ed. 1965–1988. Flora of Turkey and the east Aegean islands. Note: lists as Iris germanica L. Encke, F. et al. 1993. Zander: Handwörterbuch der Pflanzennamen, 14. Auflage Note: = species FNA Editorial Committee. 1993-. Flora of North America. Note: lists as Iris germanica L. Komarov, V. L. et al., eds. 1934–1964. Flora SSSR. Note: = Iris germanica L. Lampe, K. F. & M. A. McCann. 1985. AMA handbook of poisonous and injurious plants Mathew, B. 1981. The Iris. 25–28. Nasir, E. & S. I. Ali, eds. 1970-. Flora of [West] Pakistan. Personal Care Products Council. INCI Rechinger, K. H., ed. 1963-. Flora iranica. Note: lists as Iris germanica L. Stace, C. 1995. New flora of the British Isles. Note: natzd. Townsend, C. C. & E. Guest. 1966-. Flora of Iraq. Note: = Iris germanica L. Tutin, T. G. et al., eds. 1964–1980. Flora europaea. Note: = Iris germanica L.* Waddick, J. W. & Zhao Yu-tang. 1992. Iris of China Walters, S. M. et al., eds. 1986–2000. European garden flora