Tall Bearded Iris 'Sorbonne' – Dark Plicata, Iris Germanica Bareroot

A collector's must-have, Tall Bearded Iris 'Sorbonne' (Iris germanica) is a sophisticated dark-topped plicata from acclaimed hybridizer Keith Keppel. Black-red standards carry the faintest peppering of yellow, while the falls reveal creamy white centers warming to lemon-gold at the edges. Speckled red-brown streaks and dotting deepen into a bold ½" band at the base — a complex, multi-layered pattern with flawless form. An essential addition to any serious iris collection.

Plant Details

• Color: Black-red standards with yellow speckling; cream and lemon-gold falls with red-brown plicata markings
• Type: Tall Bearded Plicata (Iris germanica)
• Height: 24" foliage; up to 36" with flowers
• Spread: 24"
• Bloom Time: Mid – late spring
• USDA Zones: 3–10
• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• USA Grown

Planting Instructions

• Plant in a full sun, well-drained location.
• Do not plant too deep — the rhizome should be at or just at the soil surface; roots face downward.
• Space approximately 18" apart for mass plantings.
• Does best in average to evenly moist, well-draining soil. Will not tolerate standing water.

Care Tips

• Medium growth rate; can live approximately 10 years under ideal conditions.
• Flower stalks may benefit from staking in exposed sites or very fertile soils.
• Fertilize in early spring and late summer.
• Divide clumps every 3–4 years (August) to maintain vigor.