Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Black Sergeant' (TB)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Black Sergeant' is a striking perennial belonging to the bearded iris group, characterized by its luxurious, velvet-like flowers that boast a deep, almost black hue. This plant presents with a clump-forming habit, showcasing broad, sword-shaped leaves that are a glossy, bright green, creating a stark contrast against the rich darkness of the blooms. The flowers are composed of large petals, with the lower ones, known as falls, curving outward and featuring a slightly ruffled edge, while the upper petals, known as standards, stand tall and erect, creating an elegant, regal structure. A hallmark feature that defines the bearded iris is the fuzzy, caterpillar-like line or 'beard' on the middle of each fall, which in the case of 'Black Sergeant', may appear in a distinguished shade that complements the dark petals, often in a vibrant gold or orange tone. This contrast adds an additional layer of allure to the bloom. The plant produces these majestic flowers in abundance, typically during the late spring to early summer period, atop sturdy, vertical flower stalks that rise gracefully from the foliage, creating a visually striking display in any garden setting. The overall impression of the Iris 'Black Sergeant' is one of dramatic beauty and sophisticated charm, its blooms inviting admiration and adding a touch of mystery to the garden palette with their unusual coloration that challenges the notion of what a traditional iris should look like. The foliage of the plant continues to provide verdant interest even when the flowers are not present, maintaining a lush, attractive presence throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Black Sergeant Iris, Tall Bearded Iris, Black Sergeant
Common names
Iris 'Black Sergeant' (TB)
ToxicityTo humans
Tall Bearded Iris, including the variety 'Black Sergeant', are generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they do contain irritants, specifically in the rhizomes (the root-like structures). If ingested, they can cause mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant, especially the rhizomes, may also cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. It is recommended to exercise caution and prevent ingestion of any part of the plant, particularly by children who may be attracted to the colorful flowers.
To pets
Tall Bearded Iris is known to be toxic to pets, including both cats and dogs. The rhizomes contain irritants such as calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it may lead to more serious effects such as dehydration or an obstruction. It is important to keep these plants out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary attention if you suspect your pet has ingested part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple-black
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: The Iris 'Black Sergeant' is known for its striking, dark purple to nearly black flowers that can add dramatic contrast to garden landscapes.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Iris 'Black Sergeant' has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for regions with occasional water shortages.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year, offering long-term presence in the garden.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond initial planting and occasional watering and feeding.
- Cut Flower Use: The blossoms of Iris 'Black Sergeant' make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their unique color and form.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal interest in the garden.
- Versatility: Can be planted in borders, beds, and as a focal point in various garden designs.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is an issue.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink Production: The deep, dark color of the Iris 'Black Sergeant' petals can be used for creating natural inks for art or writing.
- Fish Ponds: They can be planted around fish ponds to enhance the aesthetic appeal without affecting the water quality adversely.
- Educational Tools: These plants are useful for teaching botany and hybridization techniques, demonstrating how selective breeding can produce various flower colors.
- Dye for Fabrics: The rich pigments in the petals of the Iris 'Black Sergeant' may be extracted to dye fabrics and yarns naturally.
- Photography Subjects: Their striking appearance makes them an excellent subject for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical and nature photography.
- Floral Arrangements: They can be used in dried floral arrangements, maintaining their shape and color when dried properly.
- Iris Folding in Crafts: Craft enthusiasts might use the shape of the Iris 'Black Sergeant' flower as a template for iris folding, an intricate paper crafting technique.
- Art Classes: As a drawing reference, these irises offer students a complex subject to practice capturing form and color.
- Compost Material: After they've bloomed, the spent flowers and foliage can be composted, contributing to nutrient-rich soil.
- Mascot or Emblem: Gardening clubs or societies may adopt the Iris 'Black Sergeant' as a symbol for their unique color and form, representing beauty and diversity in nature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Mystery and Elegance: The deep, nearly black color of the Iris 'Black Sergeant' symbolizes mystery, sophistication, and elegance. It's often connected to the unknown and the majestic beauty of the night.
- Wisdom: Irises in general, carry a symbolic meaning of wisdom and valued knowledge. The dark hue of this particular variety may suggest profound and serious wisdom that is both powerful and dignified.
- Bravery and Courage: The bold color of the Black Sergeant Iris resonates with the traditional symbolism of irises which encapsulates courage and bravery, perhaps due to its association with the historic "Fleur-de-lis" and its adoption as a symbol by royalty and warriors.
- Royalty: The Iris 'Black Sergeant', with its sophisticated presence, aligns with the long-held perception of irises as symbols of royalty and regal bearing, especially due to its association with French and other European monarchies.
- Hope and Faith: Like many other types of irises, the Black Sergeant variety represents hope and faith, carrying a message of positive expectation and belief in the future, even in the face of dark or challenging times.
WaterTall Bearded Iris 'Black Sergeant' requires moderate watering, especially when active growth occurs in spring and the bloom period is approaching. Water deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. However, it's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as too much moisture can cause rot. Increase watering frequency during hot, dry spells but reduce it once blooms have faded and the plant enters dormancy in late summer. Typically, you should aim to supply around a gallon of water per square foot every week during the growing season.
LightTall Bearded Iris 'Black Sergeant' thrives in full sun, needing a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in an area that receives uninterrupted sunshine throughout the day to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth. Avoid locations that are too shaded, as this can affect the flowering.
TemperatureTall Bearded Iris 'Black Sergeant' is quite tolerant of a range of temperatures but performs best when the weather is between 68°F and 86°F. They can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F and should be planted in a spot where the soil can cool down properly. Ideal growth conditions include those cool to moderate spring and fall temperatures which are typical for irises.
PruningPruning Tall Bearded Iris 'Black Sergeant' involves removing spent blooms and cutting back foliage in late summer or fall, after blooming has finished. This helps prevent disease and encourages the plant to store energy for the next season. Prune leaves to about six inches above the ground. Additionally, divide the rhizomes every three to five years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall Bearded Iris, including the Iris 'Black Sergeant', thrives best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A good soil mix for bearded iris should consist of loamy garden soil amended with compost and coarse sand to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingTall Bearded Iris, such as the Iris 'Black Sergeant', typically does not need to be repotted often. It should be divided and replanted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain plant vigor.
Humidity & MistingThe Iris 'Black Sergeant', like other Tall Bearded Iris, prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions commonly found in outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure plenty of light and good airflow for Tall Bearded Iris indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil for outdoor Tall Bearded Iris.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleIris 'Black Sergeant' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in early spring, emerging as a small shoot. As it grows, it develops a rhizome, which is a horizontal underground stem that stores nutrients for the plant. Throughout the spring and early summer, leaves emerge in a fan-like pattern, and a flower stalk grows, leading to the blooming of its distinctive dark purple, almost black flowers in late spring to early summer. After the flowers are pollinated, they develop into seed pods which dry and split open to release seeds in late summer. Throughout the summer and into fall, the plant continues to grow and store energy in the rhizome before entering dormancy in winter. The rhizome can be divided and replanted to propagate new plants, which will mature and follow the same cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Fall
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Black Sergeant' can be propagated most effectively through division, which is typically done in late summer after the blooms have faded and the plant has gone dormant. This method involves gently digging up the clumps of the iris with a spade or fork and then carefully breaking or cutting apart the rhizomes, the thick, fleshy root-like structures, making sure each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of healthy roots. The new divisions should then be replanted in well-draining soil, with the rhizome slightly exposed to the air, as burying it too deep can inhibit blooming. It's essential to maintain moderate watering until the new divisions establish themselves, which usually takes a few weeks. This straightforward yet effective method ensures the propagation of 'Black Sergeant' Tall Bearded Iris while maintaining the unique characteristics of the parent plant.
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