Dutch Iris 'Carmen'

CHF 0.95

Dutch Iris 'Carmen'

Name: Dutch Iris 'Carmen'
Brand: Iris
Price: 0.95 CHF
Availability: OutOfStock

Iris 'Carmen'

CHF 0.95

Delicate play of lavender, white and rosé
Golden-yellow blotch on the falls
Orchid-like flowers of about 10 cm
Flowers in May, about 50–60 cm tall
Good for pots and as a cut flower

'Carmen' is a Dutch iris in unusually soft colours. Lavender standards fade to white, and the white falls carry a golden-yellow blotch and a rosy blush. The orchid-like flowers of about 10 cm appear in May.

About this variety

Many Dutch irises are a strong blue. 'Carmen' is different: its standards are pale lavender, turning white towards the edges. The falls are white with fine bluish veins and a golden-yellow blotch. Depending on the light, a rosy blush seems to lie over the flower. This makes the variety look delicate yet luminous.

At about 50 to 60 cm tall, 'Carmen' is good for the middle of the border or in front of tall perennials. Combine it with late pink tulips, white columbines or blue forget-me-nots. It does well in pots on the balcony and terrace, where it can be enjoyed up close. A sunny spot is important.

As a cut flower, 'Carmen' enriches many arrangements. The pale colours go well with roses, peonies and spring greenery. Cut the stems when the bud is just showing colour; it will then open in the vase and last several days. The bulbs are hardy, even at higher altitudes.

Planting

Plant the bulbs in autumn, from September to November, about 8–10 cm deep and 8–10 cm apart, in loose groups. Choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil. 'Carmen' grows in loamy, sandy, clay and chalky soils, as long as water does not stand. In pots, add a drainage layer.

Care

Water during dry spells while the plants are sprouting and flowering; after that the bulbs hardly need water. A light feed in spring is enough. Cut off faded flowers and let the foliage die back. In the garden the bulbs stay in the ground; protect pots from constant wet in winter.

Specifications

Botanical name: Iris 'Carmen'
Genus: Iris
Class: Various
Supplied as: Flower bulbs
Flower colour: White, Purple, Pink
Flower size: 10 cm
Fragrant: No
Flowering time: May
Flowering season: Late spring
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Height: 55 cm
Spread: 10 cm
Habit: Upright
Position: Sun
Suitable for: Bed, Rock garden, Wildlife garden and meadow, Cutting garden
Soil type: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Drainage: Well-drained
Soil moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil note: Suitable for many Swiss garden soils. A loose structure and good drainage matter more than a particular soil type.
Planting time: September, October, November
Planting depth: Depending on the species, shallow to 10 cm
Spacing: 8–10 cm
Number per m²: 100
Hardiness in Switzerland: Hardy in Switzerland
Hardiness by location: Hardy, also at higher altitudes
Hardiness zone (USDA): 5–6
Overwintering note: Generally hardy in garden soil in Switzerland. At high, windy sites and in containers, plan extra winter protection and avoid winter wet.
For containers: Well suited to containers
Container note: Grow in a sufficiently large container with drainage holes and good drainage.
Cut flower: Suitable as a cut flower
Naturalising: Not suitable
Naturalising note: Persists for several years in a suitable spot, but does not normally spread over larger areas on its own.
For bees and butterflies: Not attractive to pollinators
Toxicity: Not edible and possibly harmful. Keep away from children and pets.
RHS hardiness: H5