Bearded Iris Iris 'Braithwaite' (TB)

Water

Tall bearded irises like the Iris 'Braithwaite' should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, which means they should be given enough water to soak the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. In general, water approximately once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering after blooming has finished. The exact amount of water required can range from half a gallon to a gallon per plant each week, depending on soil type and climate. Avoid overhead watering to prevent issues with rot, and ensure the soil is well-draining to keep the rhizomes healthy. During the dormant season, only water if the soil becomes very dry.

Light

Tall bearded irises such as the Iris 'Braithwaite' thrive in full sun conditions. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom well. The ideal spot would be an area with bright, unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial in regions with very hot climates, but too much shade will reduce blooming strength and health.

Temperature

Tall bearded irises, including the Iris 'Braithwaite,' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they perform best when the temperatures range from 68°F to 86°F during the growing season. They are hardy and can survive winter temperatures down to about -20°F. To ensure vigorous growth and ample blooms, protect the plants from extreme heat by providing some afternoon shade in areas where summer temperatures exceed 90°F.

Pruning

Prune tall bearded irises like the Iris 'Braithwaite' after they bloom to remove dead flower stems and improve the plant's appearance. Additionally, in late summer or early fall, cut back the leaves to about 6 inches above the ground to encourage healthy growth for the next season. Pruning should be done once a year, and spent flowers should be removed promptly to prevent the plant from investing energy in seed production.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Braithwaite' prefers a well-draining soil mix, rich in organic matter. A good mixture would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure drainage. This iris variety thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, ideally between 6.5 and 7.0.

Repotting

Tall Bearded Iris 'Braithwaite' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is not usually grown in containers. In the garden, it's best to divide and replant these irises every 3 to 4 years to avoid overcrowding and to rejuvenate the clump's blooming capability.

Humidity & Misting

Tall Bearded Iris 'Braithwaite' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require specific humidity conditions to thrive. They are well-adapted to outdoor garden environments where the natural atmosphere provides sufficient humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, with well-draining soil and moderate water.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, divide clumps every 3-4 years.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Iris 'Braithwaite', also known as Tall Bearded Iris, begins its life as a seed, which, when sown, germinates and gives rise to a seedling with characteristic narrow leaves. As it grows, it develops a rhizome, which is a horizontal stem typically growing underground that stores nutrients and allows for vegetative propagation. Over the first few seasons, the plant establishes itself and matures, eventually producing long, sword-like leaves and a flowering stalk once it has accumulated sufficient energy and reached the right age, typically in late spring or early summer. The striking flowers of the Tall Bearded Iris bloom in a variety of colors, which attract pollinators leading to seed formation. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially in regions with hot summers or cold winters, during which the foliage dies back and the rhizome rest until the next growing season. Throughout its life cycle, clumps of rhizomes may be divided and replanted to propagate new plants, typically done a few weeks after flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Summer to Autumn

• The most popular method of propagating the Tall Bearded Iris 'Braithwaite' is by division. Typically, the best time for dividing and replanting irises is late summer to early fall, several weeks after the flowering period, when the weather starts to cool down, but well before the first hard frost to give the plants time to establish. To propagate by division, a gardener would carefully dig up the clump of irises, making sure to unearth the rhizomes, which are the thick, root-like structures. Using a sharp knife, these rhizomes are then cut apart, making sure each section has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the healthy roots attached. The freshly cut divisions should be planted in well-draining soil, with the top of the rhizome exposed to the air and the roots spread out in shallow holes, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 61 centimeters). After watering in lightly, the iris divisions will gradually take root and can be expected to bloom the following growing season.