Iris Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' (CH)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' is a striking plant known primarily for its exquisite flowers and elegant foliage, often gracing gardens with its ornate appearance. The flowers are a captivating display of colors, usually adorned in shades of rich purple with contrasting white or yellow markings. These intricate designs often feature delicate veining or spotting, which adds depth and character to each bloom. The petals of Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' are distinctly shaped, with some parts elongating and drooping gracefully, while others stand erect, providing a display that is both structured and fluid. These blooms are composed of three upright petals, commonly referred to as standards, and three outer petals known as falls, which cascade downwards. Adding to the beauty of the flowers are the plant's leaves, which have a sword-like form. They are long and slender, with a sharp point at the tip, and grow in a fan-like arrangement from the base of the plant. The leaves have a bright, fresh green color that accents the flowers and adds a lush backdrop to the floral display. Overall, Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' is characterized by its glamorous blooms and lush foliage, making it a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance to any garden setting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae.
- Synonyms
  No common names available.
- Common names
  Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' (CH).
Toxicity
- To humans
  Irises are generally not considered highly toxic to humans, but they can cause irritation if ingested. Parts of the iris, particularly the rhizomes (the root-like structures), contain irritants that can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed. Handling the plant, especially the roots, might also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is advisable to avoid ingestion of any part of the iris and to wear gloves when handling it if you have sensitive skin.
- To pets
  Irises can be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious symptoms such as lethargy or even depression. It is important to prevent pets from digging up and chewing on the rhizomes, and to keep an eye out for any signs of distress if you suspect they have eaten any part of the plant. If you observe any symptoms of poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' adds visual interest to gardens with its attractive foliage and blossoms.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy to Grow: It is known to be an easy-to-care-for plant, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns each year, providing long-lasting garden appeal without the need for replanting.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a seasonal display of color during its blooming period, enhancing garden interest in the spring and early summer.
- Soil Adaptability: Generally adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, making it versatile for different garden settings.
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
- Dying Fabric: Iris petals can be used to naturally dye fabrics, imparting them with soft hues depending on the flower's color.
- Photography Subject: Due to their striking appearance, irises are often used as subjects in botanical photography to capture their intricate details and vibrant colors.
- Ink Production: The pigments of the iris flowers can be used to make natural inks for art and calligraphy.
- Perfume Ingredient: Some varieties of iris are used in the perfume industry for their fragrant roots, often called 'orris root,' which are used in scent compositions.
- Gastronomy: In some cultures, the rhizomes of certain iris species are used in traditional cooking for their unique flavor, although this use may not be common for Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' specifically.
- Culinary Garnish: The blooms of the iris can be used as an elegant garnish for salads and desserts, bringing a touch of color to the presentation of dishes.
- Floral Water: Iris flowers can be steeped in water to create a mildly fragrant floral water for use in recipes or as a refreshing face mist.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinctive appearance of iris flowers often inspires artists and craftspeople in their work, from paintings and sculptures to textile patterns and jewelry designs.
- Fish Pond Companions: When planted around garden ponds, irises can provide shelter for fish and help create a natural and appealing pond edge.
- Bioindicator Species: In some instances, irises can be used to indicate the health of the ecosystems they grow in, as they may respond visibly to certain environmental stresses.

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
- Royalty - The iris has been a symbol of royalty and regal bearing, due in part to its namesake appearance in the French fleur-de-lis emblem.
- Wisdom - Often associated with wisdom and valued for its insight, the iris can convey intelligence and knowledge.
- Faith - In various cultural contexts, irises carry the message of faith and are sometimes associated with spiritual communication.
- Hope - The iris, with its vibrant petals and stately form, is also a representation of hope, inspiring optimism for the future.
- Courage - Through its association with ancient Greek mythology, particularly the goddess Iris, the iris flower can symbolize boldness and courage.
- Purity - White irises, in particular, are often used to signify purity, much like many other white flowers.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Louisiana Iris, which is the type of iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' belongs to, prefers evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. It should be watered deeply about once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time, or enough to keep the soil consistently moist. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, but be careful not to overwater, as standing water can cause root rot. During the winter dormancy period, reduce watering significantly, only watering lightly if the soil becomes completely dry.
Light
Louisiana Irises like 'Broadleigh Carolyn' thrive in full sun to partial shade. Full sun is preferable, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hot climates. They should not be planted in deep shade as this will diminish blooming and weaken the plant over time.
Temperature
The Louisiana Iris, including 'Broadleigh Carolyn', prefers warmer weather and grows best in temperatures ranging from 55°F to 90°F. They can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 10°F to 20°F. The ideal temperature range is between 70°F and 85°F during the growing season. Always ensure they are well-mulched in winter to protect from freezing temperatures.
Pruning
The Louisiana Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' should be pruned to remove spent flowers and any damaged or diseased leaves to maintain plant health and appearance. After blooming, cut back the flower stalks to the base. General pruning is best done in the late summer or early fall, and every few years, the clumps may be divided and pruned to rejuvenate and encourage vigorous growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn', commonly known as a type of bearded iris, should be well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.5 to 7. A good mix would be equal parts loam, sand, and compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
Repotting
Bearded irises like Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' typically don't need frequent repotting and can be divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production. Repotting is best done after flowering, in late summer.
Humidity & Misting
Bearded irises, such as Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn', are generally tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefer average to low humidity conditions, as high humidity can encourage disease issues.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good airflow for indoor growth.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate water in outdoor settings.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' begins its life as a rhizome, which is planted in well-draining soil in late summer to early autumn. The rhizome sprouts roots and shoots, developing into a clump of sword-like leaves in the first year. In the second year, flower stalks emerge from the plant base in late spring to early summer, producing distinctive, colorful blossoms that are typical of the Iris genus. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, building reserves in the rhizome for next year's growth. Once the blooming period has ended, seed pods may form, and when they dry, they release seeds that can be dispersed to propagate new plants. The Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn' enters dormancy in late autumn as temperatures drop, with the cycle resuming the following spring when temperatures rise and the growing conditions are favorable.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn', more commonly known as a bearded iris, is mainly propagated through division, a process that is typically best done in late summer after the iris has finished blooming. The most popular method of propagation for bearded iris involves carefully digging up the clumps of rhizomes from the ground. The rhizomes are the horizontal stems found at or just beneath the soil level. Gardeners should look for healthy sections of the rhizome with at least one fan of leaves and cut them away from the older, less vigorous center of the plant using a sterilized knife. The cut sections of rhizome can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. It is important to ensure that the top of the rhizome is just visible above the soil surface, as burying it too deeply can hinder growth. After planting, watering should be done thoroughly to help establish the divisions.