Iris × germanica

Iris × germanica grows up to 120 cm (47 in) high and 30 cm (12 in) wide.^[5] The roots can go up to 10 cm (3.9 in) 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.^[6] Some cultivars are known to re-bloom in the autumn (fall).^[7]

It is known to produce the isoflavone irilone,^[8] and several analytical studies have been made from the rhizomes.^[9]

As most irises are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes, this can be used to identify hybrids and classification of groupings.^[10]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.^[11]

It is most commonly known as 'bearded iris' and in the UK occasionally as 'common German flag'.^[12]

It was first published and described as Iris germanica by Carl Linnaeus in his book 'Species Plantarum' on page 38 in 1753.^[13][14][15] Although, Kew and many other authorities state that it is a hybrid, so is named as Iris × germanica, with the cross 'x' showing its hybrid status.^[16][17]

It is a European hybrid, rather than a true wild species.^[5] Iris × 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.^[18]

Iris germanica is an accepted name by the RHS,^[12] and it was verified by United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service on 8 May 1996. They also state it has unknown parentage.^[14]

The named cultivars are most commonly sold in shops as Iris germanica,^[19][7]

Iris × germanica is thought to be originated in the Mediterranean region.^[14][12] It is widely naturalized across Europe.^[11]

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.^[11]

It can be propagated by seed and by division.^[18]

Iris × germanica has many cultivars,^[7] there are thought to be about 60,000 cultivars available.^[20] These are a few known named cultivars:^[11]

I. × germanica var. amas was one of the most important cultivars in the creation of the modern tetraploid tall-bearded Irises.^[11]

In Italy and Thailand, the leaves can be affected by a fungus, Torula masonii.^[21]

In Iran and Kashmir,^[22] Iris kashmiriana and Iris × germanica^[23] are most commonly grown on Muslim^[24] grave yards.^[10][25][26]

It has frequently been painted including 'Irises' (see right) and 'Irises' both by Vincent van Gogh in 1890.^[27]

• 
  Clonal colony
• 
  Iris 'Fabian' hybridized by John Salter, 1868, UK

• Orris root

• 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