Iris Iris 'Annabel Jane' (TB)

Water

For Tall Bearded Iris 'Annabel Jane', water deeply once a week during the growing season, ensuring you add about an inch of water which could equate to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard, depending on soil conditions. It's crucial that the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. In the winter, reduce watering significantly, as the plant requires a period of dormancy. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.

Light

Tall Bearded Iris 'Annabel Jane' thrives best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. For optimal blooming, place the iris in a spot where it can enjoy uninterrupted sunlight. However, in extremely hot climates, providing some light afternoon shade can prevent the blooms from fading.

Temperature

Tall Bearded Iris 'Annabel Jane' prefers temperate climates with winter temperatures dipping as low as 20°F and summer temperatures not exceeding 90°F. The ideal temperature range for vigorous growth is between 55°F and 75°F, making them suitable for a variety of climates. It's important to ensure the rhizomes are not exposed to prolonged temperatures below 20°F without adequate protection, such as mulch.

Pruning

Prune your Tall Bearded Iris 'Annabel Jane' by removing spent blooms and cutting back the flower stalks to the base to encourage healthy growth and rebloom. Perform this task immediately after the blooms have faded. Additionally, trim any damaged or brown leaves. The best time for a more thorough prune is in late summer after the blooming period when dividing the rhizomes is recommended.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tall Bearded Irises like Iris 'Annabel Jane' prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.8 to 7.0. The ideal soil mix should consist of loamy garden soil mixed with compost and coarse sand to enhance drainage. Avoid heavy clay soils and waterlogged conditions which can lead to root rot.

Repotting

Tall Bearded Irises, like Iris 'Annabel Jane,' typically do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same location for several years. However, they should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plants.

Humidity & Misting

Tall Bearded Irises such as Iris 'Annabel Jane' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and do not require high humidity levels. They will do fine in average outdoor humidity but should not be in a location that is too damp or prone to standing water.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in a sunny spot; ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny area, providing well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Iris 'Annabel Jane', known as Tall Bearded Iris, begins its life as a rhizome planted just below the soil surface. The rhizome sprouts roots and sword-shaped leaves, gathering nutrients and energy for the growing plant. The iris eventually sends up tall stems, which will bloom with the characteristic large and showy flowers in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers will wither and seed pods may form, containing seeds for potential new plants. Once the flowering and seed production are complete, the leaves continue photosynthesis to store energy in the rhizome for the next season. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, only to begin a new growth cycle in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Summer to Fall

• The Iris 'Annabel Jane' is commonly propagated by division, which is usually done in late summer after flowering has finished and the plant has gone dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the iris clump and brush off excess dirt. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes by cutting through the thick, fleshy roots, ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of rhizome. Trim the leaves to about 6 inches (15 cm) to reduce water loss and replant the divisions at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method of propagation allows the gardener to expand their collection of irises or renew older clumps that have become too crowded.