Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Bob Nichol' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Bob Nichol' (Tall Bearded) is a type of flowering plant that produces a striking display of blossoms. The flowers of this Iris exhibit a blend of colors, often with a mix that includes shades of yellows, blues, and purples. The petals can have a variety of textures and may come in solid hues or be veined, speckled, or edged with a contrasting color. Broad and ruffled, the petals usually feature a set of three upright 'standards' and three downward-arching 'falls', which may showcase a distinct beard-like tuft in a contrasting color that lends the name 'Bearded Iris.' The foliage of Iris 'Bob Nichol' consists of long, slender leaves that are sword-like in appearance, forming a dense clump that is elegant even when the plant is not in bloom. The leaves emerge from thick, underground stems called rhizomes, which allow the plant to spread and clump in the garden. The overall aesthetic of 'Bob Nichol' is one of classic beauty, with its dramatic flowers making it a focal point when in bloom, typically in late spring to early summer.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Bob Nichol' (TB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Tall Bearded Iris, including the variety 'Bob Nichol', have rhizomes which contain compounds that can induce gastrointestinal distress if ingested. The most common symptoms of eating any part of the plant include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Contact with the sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It's not typically fatal but ingesting large quantities could result in more severe symptoms.
- To pets
  For dogs and cats, ingesting parts of the Tall Bearded Iris can lead to symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. The rhizomes are the most toxic part. Pets showing these symptoms after contact with or ingestion of the plant should be taken to a veterinarian. The toxicity is generally mild to moderate, but it's always safer to keep pets away from plants that could potentially cause harm.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  3 feet (91 cm)
- Spread
  18 inches (45 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal - Iris 'Bob Nichol' (Tall Bearded Iris) features striking flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety in Garden Design - The plant's unique blossoms contribute to a diverse and interesting garden design.
- Low Maintenance - Tall Bearded Irises require minimal care once established, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, they are fairly tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Adaptability - They can adapt to a range of soil types, although they prefer well-drained soils.
- Long Bloom Period - With proper care, this iris variety can provide a long season of blooms in late spring to early summer.
- Cold Hardy - Tall Bearded Irises are cold hardy, making them suitable for cultivation in many temperate regions.
- Perennial Growth - As perennials, they will return year after year, offering long-term garden enjoyment.
- Pollinator Attraction - They can attract pollinators like bees, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Propagation - They can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
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
- Artistic Inspiration: The striking colors and elegant form of the Iris can serve as inspiration for artists and photographers, influencing their work in various mediums like painting or digital art.
- Fabric Dyeing: The vivid petals of the Iris can be used to naturally dye fabrics, providing a range of purples and blues for textile artistry and crafts.
- Garden Design: Irises can be a central feature in garden designs, especially in water features or as part of perennial borders to create visual depth and interest.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly eaten, the petals of some Iris species may serve as a decorative garnish for salads and desserts for a touch of elegance.
- Perfumery: Iris flowers, particularly their roots, can be a source of scent in the making of perfumes, giving a delicate and earthy fragrance.
- Floral Arrangements: Irises are a popular choice for floral arrangements, centerpieces, and bouquets due to their unique shape and vibrant colors.
- Educational Tool: The Iris can be used in educational settings to teach botany and plant reproduction, featuring its complex flower structure.
- Eco-Friendly Crafting: Dried Iris flowers and parts can be used in crafting eco-friendly paper, bookmarks, or eco-dyed cloths as a sustainable art form.
- Photography Practice: The variety of colors and textures within an Iris makes it an excellent subject for those learning photography, helping to hone macro and portrait skills.
- Cultural Symbols: Irises carry deep cultural significance in various parts of the world, used in ceremonies or as emblems, representing wisdom and hope.

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: Irises generally symbolize faith and hope, reflecting a belief in positive outcomes.
- Wisdom: The iris is often associated with wisdom, knowledge, and intelligence, perhaps due to its regal appearance.
- Courage: The historical connection to the French monarchy made the iris a symbol of courage and valor.
- Purity: In some cultures, the clean lines and bright colors of the iris convey a sense of purity and innocence.
- Royalty: The flower's association with the French Fleur-de-lis makes it emblematic of royalty and noble bearings.

💧

Every week

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer to Early Fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Bob Nichol' should be watered deeply to encourage strong root growth, which means the water should reach at least 10 inches into the soil. A good rule of thumb is to provide about an inch of water per week, which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard. During the growing season, especially in dry weather, make sure the soil remains slightly moist but not waterlogged. In winter, water only if the weather is extremely dry. Overwatering can cause rhizome rot, so it's essential to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
Light
Tall Bearded Irises such as 'Bob Nichol' require full sun to thrive, meaning they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these irises is one where they receive uninterrupted sun exposure, ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy growth. Partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day, can help in very warm climates, but too much shade will reduce blooming.
Temperature
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Bob Nichol' thrives best in temperatures ranging from 35 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand dips in temperature down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive maximum temperatures of about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. However, consistent temperatures within the ideal range are necessary for optimal growth and flowering.
Pruning
Pruning Tall Bearded Irises involves removing spent blooms and cutting back the foliage to about 6 inches after flowering has finished. This typically occurs once a year but may vary depending on the flowering cycle and climate. Pruning helps to prevent diseases and encourages the plant to store energy for the next growing season. The best time for pruning is late summer or early fall.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Bob Nichol' prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, around 6.8 to 7.0. A suitable soil mix for this iris can be composed of loamy garden soil, sand, and compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Adding a layer of mulch can help maintain soil moisture levels and keep roots cool.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Bob Nichol' typically don't need repotting as they are not grown in containers. Instead, they should be divided every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the clumps.
Humidity & Misting
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Bob Nichol' does not require high humidity and is quite tolerant of typical outdoor conditions where air circulation is good. This iris will thrive in the ambient humidity of most temperate climates without the need for additional humidity manipulation.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good airflow for indoor Bearded Iris.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-draining soil, divide every 3-5 years.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Bob Nichol' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life as a rhizome, which is a type of underground stem that stores nutrients. When conditions are right, typically in late summer to early fall, the rhizome sprouts roots and leaves, initiating vegetative growth. With the arrival of spring, the plant produces tall, sturdy stems that bear large, showy flowers ranging from purple, blue, to bi-colors, which are often fragrant and attract pollinators. After flowering, usually in late spring to early summer, seed pods may form and, once mature, release seeds that can generate new plants. Throughout the summer, the foliage continues to photosynthesize, replenishing the rhizome's reserves. In winter, the plant enters dormancy, with the foliage dying back, and the cycle begins anew with the next growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer to Early Fall
- Iris 'Bob Nichol' which is a Tall Bearded (TB) Iris can be propagated best by division. This process typically takes place after flowering, from mid-summer to early fall, when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of iris rhizomes and wash off the soil. Using a sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one fan of leaves and a good set of roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height to reduce water loss and replant the divisions about a foot apart, setting them so the tops of the rhizomes are just below the soil surface. Water them in well to help settle the soil around the roots. This method encourages healthy growth and rejuvenates the plant, allowing for continued vibrant blooms in subsequent seasons.