Iris germanica has long been considered to be the type for the genus. The name ‘germanica’ has been misused and confused for many years, the tall bearded hybrids often being referred to in garden literature as Iris germanica, or German iris. I. germanica, being somewhat infertile, is not now considered to have contributed to the development of modern tall bearded irises.

I. germanica is now considered to be a group, or grex, of ancient European hybrids which can be found naturalised in many countries.

Blooming early with the dwarf bearded irises, I. germanica is intermediate in height, with fine, moderately branched stalks. Flowers are generally small, standards are rounded and falls pendulous. A number of forms exist including nelapensis (dark purple), atropurpurea (violet self), florentina (white) and Kochii (purple).

According to Nigel Service article “44 chromosome forms of iris germanica” Signa magazine, Spring 2003: “Nepalensis is probably the most widely grown single group, appearing in gardens and municipal plantings almost universally”. Confusingly, he states that this plant originating in the Himalayas was also known as Atropurpurea, Purple King, and Orientalis.

Iris gemanica var. nepalensis (above), which I presume to be correctly identified in my garden, exhibits typical purple pigmentation on the young bracts, and on the spathes. Blooms are dark purple and borne on 2 or 3 branches. The very early blooms may abort in frosty weather.

Iris florentina, native to Italy and southern France, is often confused or lumped together with I. albicans. It is taller (45 to 70cm) Blooms are white, with a fragrance of violets, and it is one of a group of irises
including pallida and other germanicas, used in the production of orris root powder, for perfume manufacture.

Iris Kochii blackish purple with white/orange beards. Naturalised in southern Europe.