Bewdley Iris Iris 'Bewdley' (IB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Iris 'Bewdley' is a striking perennial plant known for its showy flowers and lush foliage. The blooms have a classic iris shape with three upright petals, referred to as standards, and three drooping petals called falls. The flowers display a captivating deep purple hue with a velvety texture, often adorned with a splash of golden or lighter purple tones on the falls, surrounding a beard-like cluster of short hairs. The leaves are sword-shaped and grow in dense clumps, emanating from the base of the plant in a fan-like pattern. The foliage is a rich green color that provides a beautiful contrast to the bold and dramatic flowers that emerge in the blooming season. The overall appearance of Iris 'Bewdley' is one of elegance and vibrant color, making it a popular choice for gardeners who wish to add a touch of sophistication to their garden displays.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Bewdley Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Bewdley'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Bewdley', commonly known as tall bearded iris, contains irisin, iridin, or irisine, which can be toxic if ingested. The rhizomes (rootstocks) are particularly known to contain these compounds, which can cause digestive disturbances. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious issues such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea.
- To pets
  The tall bearded iris is also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Similar to humans, the rhizomes contain the most significant amount of toxic compounds. If a pet ingests part of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, they may experience symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is crucial to prevent pets from accessing and consuming this plant to avoid the risk of poisoning and potential complications that may arise from it.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Purple
- Height
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Cultivar

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Iris 'Bewdley' brings striking color to gardens with its beautiful blooms, enhancing overall landscape design.
- Easy to Grow: IB is known for being low-maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: With a specific blooming season, IB creates seasonal interest in gardens, marking the arrival of spring or summer.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, IB can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Versatility: IB can be planted in borders, beds, and containers, offering versatility in its use in different garden settings.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is somewhat resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
- Soil Adaptability: IB is adaptable to a range of soils, though it prefers well-drained conditions.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Iris 'Bewdley' can be used in textile dyeing, as various parts of the plant can be processed to create natural dyes ranging in color from yellow, green to blue shades.
- The fibers from the leaves can be utilized for weaving or making cordage, which has been a traditional use in some cultures.
- Dried Iris 'Bewdley' petals can be incorporated into potpourris to add a hint of color and a delicate scent to a room.
- The plant can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, inspiring artwork with its vibrant colors and intricate petal patterns.
- Iris 'Bewdley' can be used as a biological indicator for soil health, as they are sensitive to certain soil conditions and can indicate the presence of heavy metals or other contaminants.
- The dried rhizomes, despite not being used for their medicinal properties, can occasionally be utilized in the making of high-end perfumes for their distinct fragrance.
- Water from boiled Iris 'Bewdley' petals can be used as a natural ink for painting or writing, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic inks.
- The plant can play a role in educational gardens or biodiversity projects, demonstrating the importance of plant variety and conservation to visitors or students.
- When planted strategically, Iris 'Bewdley' can be used for erosion control, as its root system helps to hold soil in place along banks of water bodies.
- The seed pods of Iris 'Bewdley' can be dried and used in decorative arrangements or as part of craft projects, such as creating natural jewelry or ornaments.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Faith: The iris often symbolizes faith, reflecting the deep trust and belief we place in our relationships or spiritual path.
- Hope: Irises can represent hope, expressing our desire for better things to come and a positive outlook for the future.
- Wisdom: As a symbol of wisdom, the iris conveys a message of intelligence, knowledge, and learning.
- Purity: The delicate form and often light colors of the iris are symbolic of purity and innocence.
- Courage: The iris can symbolize bravery and valor, and is often used to convey a sense of heroism.
- Royalty: With its regal appearance, the iris may represent nobility, majesty, and a dignified bearing.

💧

Every 3-5 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-5 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Bearded Iris, including 'Bewdley', should be watered deeply once a week during their active growth period if there has been little rainfall. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. During the summer, when the plants are dormant, watering can be reduced. Provide about one gallon of water per square yard every week during the growing season. Be cautious to avoid overwatering, as bearded irises prefer relatively dry conditions.
Light
Bearded Iris 'Bewdley' thrives best in full sunlight where it can receive at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. Plant it in a spot that benefits from bright, morning light, which is less harsh than the afternoon sun. Partial shade is tolerable, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can lead to few or no blooms.
Temperature
Bearded Iris 'Bewdley' can survive in a range of temperatures, but they perform best when the temperature is between 55°F and 75°F. They can withstand cold winters with temperatures as low as -20°F for brief periods, and in the summer months, they can tolerate temperatures up to 86°F. However, prolonged heat above this range can be detrimental to the plants.
Pruning
Prune Bearded Iris 'Bewdley' after blooming by cutting back the flower stalks to the base to encourage a tidy appearance and prevent the plant from spending energy on seed production. Remove any brown or damaged leaves to promote good plant health. Pruning is generally done once a year, post-flowering, but diseased or damaged foliage should be removed as soon as noticed.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Bearded Iris 'Bewdley' is well-draining and moderately fertile. A soil pH of slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5-7.0) is ideal. Incorporate sand or grit for improved drainage if required. Regular garden soil amended with organic matter like compost is suitable. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Repotting
Bearded Iris 'Bewdley' typically does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production.
Humidity & Misting
Bearded Iris 'Bewdley' is tolerant of a range of humidity conditions and does not require high humidity. Average ambient humidity is acceptable, and they are fairly adaptable outside of extremely arid environments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light and good air circulation for Bearded Iris 'Bewdley' indoors.
- Outdoor
  Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil for Bearded Iris 'Bewdley'.
- Hardiness zone
  Bearded Iris 'Bewdley' is suitable for 3-9 USDA.
Life cycle
Iris 'Bewdley' typically begins its life cycle when the rhizomes are planted in the ground during late summer to early fall. They sprout and develop foliage, which persists for the growing season, absorbing sunlight and nutrients to strengthen the plant. During the winter, the plant becomes dormant, conserving energy and resources. In spring, stalks emerge from the rhizomes, culminating in the blooming of the distinctive, colorful flowers which are pollinated by insects. After flowering, seed pods may form, containing seeds that can disperse to propagate new plants. As the seasons cycle, the plant enters dormancy again while the rhizomes continue to spread underground, ready to produce new growth the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to summer
- Iris 'Bewdley', commonly known as Bewdley Iris, is often propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time to propagate by division is in late summer after the blooms have faded and the plant has gone dormant. To divide, carefully lift the clump of irises from the ground using a fork or spade. Gently separate or cut the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a section of healthy roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height to reduce water loss and replant the divisions at the same soil depth they were growing previously, spaced about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to give ample room for growth. Water the new plantings well to help establish them. This method of propagation helps rejuvenate old clumps, encourages blooming, and increases the number of plants in the garden.