Irresistible IRISES

Bearded, bicoloured or dwarf, there's an iris that's perfect for you!

- CHRIS MORLEY

Artistic tendencies

With flamboyant flowers in a tapestry of hues, it's easy to see why bearded irises (Iris germanica) were beloved by the painter, Monet, who obsessively painted the ones in his garden in the south of France. If you have a dry, sunny border, you too can create a colourful masterpiece with these stately grandes dames. Plant them in drifts or a block of a single variety for a knockout display in May and June.

Heaven scented 

On a hot, still day, irises fill the air with their fragrance. As some varieties are more strongly perfumed than others, sniff out the best from specialist online growers, plant fairs and garden centres. 'Ellen Louise' (H91cm) has a sweet scent and flowers of pale ivory and shell pink, while 'Lime Soda' (1m), has a gentle citron aroma and lemon blooms.

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