Featured variety - plicata Iris 'Rustler'

A plicata Iris is a variety of Flag/Bearded Iris germanica, in which the falls or standards are characteristically peppered and 'sprayed' which a different colour to the ground colour. This can lead to a very striking effect, as seen here on this choice 1987 raised cultivar which remains seldom seen in British gardens. It was raised in America and is a robust triploid variety which blooms mid-late season. The flower stems are well branched and these lavishly ruffled blooms featured a rich sienna-mahogany patterning which works very well in a border. Teamed with deep yellows or blues it combines spectacularly.
In common with other germanica Iris [the latin term for a Flag or Bearded Iris] this variety prefers a full sun position in any reasonably drained or ordinary soil. When planting make sure the rhizome is partly visible above soil so it gets baked by the sun. This encourages free flowering. These Iris do not like being shaded by other perennials so make sure it has enough space and isn't crowded. Provide a small bamboo stake whilst in flower so that the plant does not 'rock' in windy weather.