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A gorgeous bearded iris with deep blue flowers and a darker blue thumbprint on the falls. Once established this variety will produce masses of flowers from vigorous clumps - definitely a 'lord' among irises! It looks fabulous planted in drifts in a well-drained, sunny border or studded through a colour-themed scheme.

• Garden care: Bearded irises prefer full sun and neutral-alkaline soil but if you have acidic or peaty soils you can top dress with lime before planting for good results. Plant shallowly with the upper part of the rhizome sitting on the surface of the soil, incorporating a low nitrogen fertiliser in the planting hole. After planting, remove the upper-most third of the leaves to protect against wind-rock. In exposed areas stake with bamboo canes in early spring. Divide and replant about every three years.