The German iris, also called bearded iris, originates, contrary to what its name suggests, from Southern Europe. The blossoms of this late spring/early summer flower possess three upright petals and three hanging petals called falls. The iris gets its alternative name from the bristly hairs emerging from the flowers’ throats.
The German iris is the most common member of the iris genus. Its flowers display a great variety of colors, including blue, pink, purple, white, yellow, and multi-colored combinations. This dazzling diversity, along with its large flowers, makes the bearded iris a favorite in ornamental gardens.
The photograph of the iris blossom was taken in the Botanical Garden Brüglingen. Its iris collection comprises about 1’500 varieties and quite a number can be seen in bloom every year in the early summer.