Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Apricorange' (TB)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Apricorange' is a variety characterized by its eye-catching blossoms. The flowers exhibit a unique blend of apricot and orange hues, which gives the plant its distinctive name. These blooms are typically large and showy, with petals that may display a gradient of colors ranging from a warm, sunny apricot at the edges to a richer, deeper orange towards the center, or vice versa, depending on the individual flower. The petals are adorned with intricate veining and may have a slight ruffling along the edges, which adds to their ornate appearance. Each flower is composed of several parts – the upright petals are called 'standards', while the drooping ones are known as 'falls', a typical characteristic of irises. In the midst of the falls, one might find the beard, which is a fuzzy, caterpillar-like extension that often has a contrasting color, helping to guide pollinators to the center of the flower. The foliage of the Iris 'Apricorange' is also striking, characterized by slender, sword-like leaves that emerge from the base of the plant. These leaves are bright green and have a vertical habit, creating an elegant backdrop to the stunning blooms. The leaves are often arranged in a fan-like formation and can be quite dense, offering a lush, robust presence in the garden. Together, the vibrant blossoms and stately foliage make the Iris 'Apricorange' a favorite among gardeners looking to add a splash of warm color to their landscape. Its flowers, which are usually seen in the spring, attract both admirers and pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it not only a visual delight but also a beneficial addition to any garden eco-system.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
Common names
Iris 'Apricorange' (TB).
ToxicityTo humans
The Tall Bearded Iris, including the variety 'Apricorange', is considered mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, toxic compounds in the rhizomes and bulbous roots can lead to symptoms such as nausea, stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It’s essential to handle the plant with care and avoid ingesting any part of it to prevent these adverse reactions.
To pets
The Tall Bearded Iris, including the variety 'Apricorange', can also be toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. The rhizomes and bulbous roots contain potentially harmful compounds that, if ingested by pets, can cause symptoms including digestive upset, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. In some cases, more severe reactions such as vomiting and irritation may occur. It's important to keep pets away from the plant to prevent poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
3 feet [91 cm]
Spread
2 feet [61 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Colorful Blooms: The Iris 'Apricorange' showcases stunning apricot-orange flowers that add vibrant colors to the garden during blooming season.
- Attracts Pollinators: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, aiding in the pollination of plants and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: A hardy plant that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest with its striking blooms in the spring and its green foliage throughout the growing season.
- Landscape Design: The plant can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, mixed beds, and as a focal point due to its unique coloring.
- Cutting Garden Suitable: Its flowers can be used in floral arrangements, making it a great addition to cutting gardens.
- Naturalizing: The Iris 'Apricorange' has the ability to spread and naturalize over time, filling garden spaces naturally.
- Deer Resistance: It is typically resistant to deer, which helps prevent damage to the plant and garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: The vibrant colors of Iris 'Apricorange' can serve as a muse for painters and other visual artists, who may be inspired to capture its beauty on canvas.
- Photography subject: Due to its striking apricot-orange blooms, this iris makes a popular subject for garden photographers and photo hobbyists wishing to practice their macro photography skills.
- Floral arrangements: The Iris 'Apricorange' can add a unique color and texture to bouquets and floral arrangements for weddings and other events.
- Color dye: Historically, some iris species have been used to create natural dyes, and Iris 'Apricorange' could potentially offer an apricot hue to fabrics or crafts.
- Educational plant: It can be used in horticultural classes or workshops to teach plant hybridization techniques and flower structure.
- Garden design: These irises can play a key role in thematic garden designs that might focus on a particular color scheme or period style.
- Creative writing prompts: The exotic appearance of the Iris 'Apricorange' may serve as a visual prompt to inspire poetry, stories, or other creative writing pieces.
- Perfumery: While not typically used for commercial scent production, the iris's fragrance can inspire scent creation in homemade perfumes or potpourris.
- Culinary decoration: Although not commonly used in cooking, the flower could be used as a non-toxic garnish for special meals and desserts, provided it is free of pesticides.
- Craft projects: The dried petals of Iris 'Apricorange' can be incorporated into paper making, pressed flower art, or other decorative craft applications.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bearded Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bearded Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Faith: The iris often symbolizes faith, illustrating confidence and belief in various aspects of life or spirituality.
- Hope: As a symbol of hope, the iris represents an optimistic lookout towards the future and an expectation of positive outcomes.
- Wisdom: Due to its regal appearance, the iris is regarded as a symbol of wisdom and valued knowledge.
- Courage: This flower is also a symbol of courage, owing to its bold colors and strong presence in the garden.
- Purity: Historically, the white version of iris represents purity, similar to other white flowers symbolizing innocence and cleanliness.
- Royalty: With its majestic stature, the iris is often associated with royalty and nobility.
WaterThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Apricorange' should be watered deeply and infrequently to mimic its preferred dry summer conditions after blooming. During the growing season, especially in the absence of rain, it's advisable to water every 7 to 10 days, providing about an inch of water which equates to roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot. After the iris has finished blooming, cut down on the watering frequency to allow for a drier period. It’s important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot; the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
LightThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Apricorange' thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for these irises is in a south-facing garden that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Avoiding overly shaded areas ensures vigorous growth and optimal blooming.
TemperatureThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Apricorange' performs well in a range of temperatures but prefers the range between 55°F to 85°F for optimal growth. These irises can survive temperatures as low as 14°F during their dormant period, but to ensure healthy growth during the growing season, keeping them away from extreme heat above 90°F is ideal.
PruningPruning the Tall Bearded Iris 'Apricorange' involves removing spent flower stalks at their base after blooming to encourage tidy growth and prevent seed production, which can sap energy from the rhizome. Additionally, trim away any brown or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy. The best time for pruning is during late summer when you can also divide and transplant irises if necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Apricorange' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.8 and 7.0. A good soil mix for this Iris would include equal parts of garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Apricorange' typically doesn't need frequent repotting and is best divided and replanted about every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant.
Humidity & MistingThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Apricorange' prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of a range of conditions as long as it doesn't sit in waterlogged soil. No special humidity adjustments are necessary for this Iris outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, good airflow, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil; space rhizomes.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleIris 'Apricorange' (Tall Bearded Iris) typically begins its life cycle when a seed is planted or a rhizome is divided and transplanted. The rhizome sends up shoots in spring, which then develop into long, sword-like leaves and the plant establishes a strong root system. The Tall Bearded Iris blooms in late spring to early summer, displaying its distinct apricot-orange flowers, which attract pollinators such as bees. After blooming, the flowers fade, and seed pods may form, which eventually dry and release seeds that can propagate new plants. Throughout the summer, the plant continues to photosynthesize and store energy in the rhizome for the next season. In late autumn, the foliage may die back as the plant enters dormancy during the winter, conserving energy to restart the cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Apricorange' can be most effectively propagated through division, a process best carried out in late summer after the blooming season has concluded. This allows the iris sufficient time to become established in its new location before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the rhizomes, which are the horizontal underground stems, and use a sharp knife to separate them, ensuring that each section has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots attached. Trim the leaves into a fan shape, reducing their height to about 6 inches (15 cm) to minimize water loss and transplant the divisions into well-drained soil, setting the rhizome just at or slightly below the soil surface. Space the new plantings about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 cm) to allow for adequate growth and airflow, which helps prevent disease. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This straightforward method allows gardeners to rejuvenate their iris clumps and share plants with others.
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