Iris (sk. germanica) 'SULTAN'S PALACE' bearded iris

When beautiful Scheherazade told her king a thousand and one story in Arabian Nights – a book of stories about 11 centuries old they dwelled in Sultan’s palace. Its beauty commemorates this bearded iris – the falls are like heavy, deep brown-red velvet of drapes and spreads, the standards resemble feathery tulle curtains and silk blankets, and the throat refers to profuse golden decorations. Mid to late season blooming begins in latter May and continues until early June. Sword-like leaves are deciduous, pale green. Stems are 70-80 cm tall and hold up very well in rain. Bred by R.Schreiner in 1977.

Hybrid varieties of bearded iris thrive in full sun and should be planted in well-drained but moist soil of any pH. Various sources say different things about pH requirements, however, truth is that if the soil is reasonably fertile acidity does not play a significant role. Do not mistake them for water irises which do like wet and boggy conditions, these hybrids might rot it such environment.

The plants spread with their rhizomes but are not invasive. Unwanted new rhizomes can easily be dug out and transplanted somewhere else. The rhizomes like warmth so if your garden beds are mulched reduce its amount above iris’ roots to minium. Occasional fertilizing is welcome to enhance flowering and plant health. Thanks to showy flowers and variability of colours available they will be both a perfect companion plants for others as well as great features in any landscape design. Fully hardy to min. -40°C (USDA zone 3.

Last update 30-05-2020