Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Cardew' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Iris 'Cardew' is a type of Tall Bearded Iris that showcases a striking visual display with its elegant and ornate flowers. These beautiful blooms possess a unique color palette that often consists of a blend of various hues, creating an eye-catching spectacle. The flower petals have a classic iris form, with upright standards that reach skyward and arched falls that cascade downwards, often adorned with ruffles or lace-like edges that add to their sophisticated charm. The upper petals, known as standards, can display a light to medium shade, sometimes with a gradient or a dusting of a deeper tone towards their midribs. In contrast, the lower petals or falls may present a deeper, more saturated color, often providing a vivid contrast that enhances the flower's allure. These falls might also feature intricate veining, speckles, or a striking beard – a fuzzy line that runs down the middle, which can come in a complementary or contrasting color. Foliage-wise, Iris 'Cardew' displays long, slender, sword-shaped green leaves that grow in a fan-shaped arrangement. These leaves provide a vertical aspect and a lush background that serves to further accentuate the stunning blooms on display. The leaves are typically bright green and can have a fresh, clean appearance that maintains the plant's attractiveness even when it's not in flower. The overall look of Iris 'Cardew' is one of classic elegance with bold color contrasts and detailed floral features, making it a favorite among gardeners and a standout in any planting arrangement where its majestic flowers can truly be appreciated.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Cardew' (TB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant known as Tall Bearded Iris may possess compounds that can cause toxicity when ingested. If consumed, parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, can induce symptoms like nausea, stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, handling the plant can also result in skin irritation due to its irritating sap. It is important to be cautious and avoid ingesting any part of the Tall Bearded Iris to prevent these adverse consequences.
- To pets
  The Tall Bearded Iris contains compounds that can be toxic to pets if ingested. In pets, symptoms of Tall Bearded Iris poisoning may include gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It is particularly harmful if the rhizomes are consumed. In order to prevent toxicity, it is best to ensure that pets do not have access to chew or ingest parts of the Tall Bearded Iris plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  3 feet (91 cm)
- Spread
  1 feet (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Cultivar

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: The Iris 'Cardew' is prized for its beautiful blooms, which provide aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Diversity in Design: Its striking flowers can be used to create focal points or to add color to perennial borders.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for a healthy and vibrant garden ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Irises are generally hardy and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making them suitable for many gardeners.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care, making them ideal for those who want a beautiful garden without excessive upkeep.
- Drought Tolerance: They are reasonably drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering during dry periods.
- Seasonal Interest: Irises provide seasonal interest with their early to mid-spring bloom time, bridging the gap between early spring bulbs and summer flowers.
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
- The Iris 'Cardew' (TB) can be used as a natural dye, particularly the roots that contain compounds that produce colors ranging from yellow to green, depending on the mordant used.
- This tall bearded iris's strong stems can be used in weaving or basketry for decorative purposes, adding a unique texture and color to artisan crafts.
- The dried seed pods of the Iris 'Cardew' can be used in floral arrangements, adding an interesting shape and texture to bouquets and wreaths.
- The plant can be incorporated into a sensory garden due to its distinctive fragrance, providing olfactory stimulation for visitors.
- Petals of the Iris 'Cardew' can be used as a natural confetti at weddings or celebrations, being biodegradable and adding a splash of color.
- The plant's leaves can be used as a natural form of mulch, decomposing over time to enrich the soil with organic matter.
- Rhizomes of the Iris 'Cardew' may be used in perfumery as a fixative due to their subtle scent and oil-retaining properties.
- The blooms can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, offering a subject for their work due to their striking colors and intricate patterns.
- The tall bearded iris can be utilized in educational settings, teaching botany and horticulture through their complex reproductive mechanisms and cultivation needs.
- Iris 'Cardew' can be used in natural pest management strategies, as some compounds found in irises are known to repel certain insects.

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
- Hope: The Iris generally signifies hope, suggesting that regardless of the circumstances, there is something positive to hold onto for the future.
- Wisdom: Often associated with the Greek goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods, the Iris flower symbolizes wisdom and valued knowledge.
- Faith: The Iris is frequently seen as a symbol of faith, embodying deep personal trust and belief in something greater than oneself.
- Courage: Reflecting bravery, the Iris is a reminder to face challenges head-on and to be bold in one's actions.
- Purity: White irises, in particular, are linked to purity, innocence, and cleanliness, echoing the clarity of unblemished virtue.

💧

Every week to ten days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Tall Bearded Irises like the Iris 'Cardew' prefer consistent moisture during the growing season, especially when they are setting buds and blooming. It's best to water deeply and infrequently, providing about an inch of water once a week, which is roughly 0.5 gallons per square yard. Increase the frequency to twice a week during exceptionally hot or dry weather. After blooming, reduce watering to encourage the plants to go dormant in preparation for winter. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent root rot, which can be caused by standing water.
Light
Tall Bearded Irises, including the Iris 'Cardew,' thrive in full sun. They require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight a day to perform well and produce vibrant blooms. The best spot for them is in a garden area that receives full sun throughout the day without being shaded by trees or buildings. Avoid planting them in areas that are prone to shadow for long periods.
Temperature
Bearded Iris, including the Iris 'Cardew,' are hardy in a range of temperatures and can survive winter lows down to approximately -30°F and are comfortable during the summer when temperatures soar up to about 90°F. The ideal growing temperatures for these irises are between 55°F and 75°F during the growing and blooming season. They may struggle in consistently hotter climates without some afternoon shade to mitigate the heat.
Pruning
Pruning Tall Bearded Irises like Iris 'Cardew' is mainly about removing spent flower stalks and damaged leaves to encourage new growth and maintain plant health. The best time for pruning is after blooming, usually in late summer. It helps to prevent disease and minimizes the chance of iris borers. Cut the stalks down to the base and trim away any brown or diseased leaves. Additionally, dividing the rhizomes every 3-5 years in late summer encourages rejuvenation and prevents overcrowding.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Cardew' prefer well-draining, loose soil with some organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.8 and 7.0. An optimal mix might include loamy garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite to ensure good drainage.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Irises such as Iris 'Cardew' don't need frequent repotting and are typically divided and replanted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Irises like Iris 'Cardew' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and thrive in outdoor garden settings where humidity is rarely managed.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light, cool temps, and good airflow for indoor Tall Bearded Iris.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, with space for rhizomes to spread.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of an Iris 'Cardew' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins with seed germination, provided that the plant has been allowed to produce seeds after flowering. After sprouting, the iris undergoes vegetative growth, where it develops its characteristic long, sword-like leaves and a strong rhizome system. With maturity, the plant enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing its showy blooms which can be a variety of colors, but in this variety, it is commonly a shade of blue or purple. After the flowering period, the plant enters a phase of dormancy during colder months, where above-ground foliage may die back. Throughout the years, the iris will continue to grow and can be divided to produce new plants. It completes its life cycle by either dying after several years or being divided and replanted to rejuvenate and continue the growth cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to fall
- Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Iris 'Cardew', which is a type of Tall Bearded Iris, is through division of the rhizomes, typically done in late summer after the flowering period has finished. To propagate, carefully dig around an established clump to lift the rhizomes from the soil. Brush off excess dirt and inspect the rhizomes for any signs of disease or damage, discarding any that are not healthy. Using a sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into sections, ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of healthy roots. Trim the leaves into a fan shape, reducing their height to about 6 inches (approximately 15 cm). Replant the divisions at ground level, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 60 cm), and water them well to help establish new growth.