Iris germanica 'Blatant'
blatant reblooming iris
Hybrid of garden origin (parental species native to central and southern Europe, Mediterranean basin)
Overview
'Blatant' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial reblooming tall bearded iris cultivar reaching 32-38 inches (80-95 cm) tall in flower and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide at maturity, typically within 2-3 growing seasons. Foliage forms an upright fan of sword-shaped, gray-green leaves 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) long and 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide, semi-evergreen in zones 7-9 and dying to ground level in zones 3-6. Branched flowering stems bear 6-9 buds per stalk; each flower is 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) across with three upright standards in vivid orange-red and three flaring falls in deeper rose-red, with hot orange beards along the upper face of each fall. The cultivar reblooms in late summer or early fall in zones 5-9 when summers are warm enough and rhizomes are well-established; reblooming is unreliable in zones 3-4 and in cool maritime climates. Light sweet fragrance carries on warm afternoons. The selection was raised by Schreiner's Iris Gardens of Oregon and registered with the American Iris Society. Rhizomes sit at the soil surface in established plantings and are replanted at the same depth after division to maintain flowering.
Native Range
Iris germanica is a horticultural species of garden origin (likely a complex hybrid stabilized in cultivation), with parental species native to central and southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. 'Blatant' is a garden cultivar in the reblooming tall bearded group raised by Schreiner's Iris Gardens of Oregon; the registered cultivar does not occur in any wild population.Suggested Uses
Used in full-sun perennial borders and dedicated iris beds at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. Planted in mass for cut-flower production where the reblooming habit extends harvest into fall. Grows in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with sharp drainage; rebloom is unreliable in containers smaller than 5 gallons.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'8" - 3'2"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Primary bloom mid-May through early June in zones 5-7, typically 2-3 weeks of overlapping flowers per established clump. Reblooming flush appears mid-August through mid-October in zones 5-9, lasting 3-4 weeks if frost holds off. In zones 3-4, only the spring bloom is reliable. In zones 8-9, primary bloom shifts to late April through mid-May.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Vivid orange-red standards over rose-red falls with hot orange beardsFoliage Description
Gray-green, sword-shapedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Establish in full sun (6+ hours daily) in well-drained loam or sandy loam at pH 6.5-7.5. Water weekly during the first growing season; established plants tolerate 3-4 weeks without rain, though reblooming requires consistent summer moisture. Apply a low-nitrogen balanced fertilizer in early spring and again immediately after primary bloom to support reblooming. Iris borer (Macronoctua onusta) is the main pest in eastern North America; signs include rotting tips and tunneling at rhizome bases. Bacterial soft rot follows borer damage in poorly drained sites. Divide every 3-4 years in late summer (4-6 weeks after primary bloom), trimming foliage to a 6-inch (15 cm) fan and replanting rhizomes with the upper surface exposed.Pruning
Cut spent flower stems to the base after each flush of flowering. Trim foliage to a 6-inch (15 cm) fan when dividing. Remove yellowing or rotting leaves at the base mid-season; healthy fans are left intact through winter in zones 5-9 and die to ground level in zones 3-4.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons