Intermediate Bearded Iris Iris 'Cee Jay' (IB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Cee Jay' is a strikingly beautiful type of Iris that presents an eye-catching color palette. This plant bears ornate flowers that are typified by their unique shape, which includes six lobes: three outer hanging petals known as falls and three inner upright petals called standards. The falls often showcase a deep, rich color with a velvety texture, and may feature a splash of a lighter hue or intricate veining, giving the petals additional visual interest. The standards rise elegantly above the falls and are usually lighter in color, contributing to the plant's sophisticated bicolor appearance. The throat of the Iris 'Cee Jay' typically has a bright, contrasting color, such as yellow or white, providing a focal point that draws the eye to the center of the flower. The plant itself consists of long, slender, green leaves that grow in a sword-like fashion, arranged in a fan shape. These leaves complement the blooms and add to the plant's overall vertical visual interest, providing a lush backdrop that offsets the vividness of the flowers. The Iris 'Cee Jay', like other Irises, originates from a rhizomatous root system that allows the plant to re-emerge year after year, making it a perennial favorite in gardens. Overall, the rich colors and elegant form of the Iris 'Cee Jay' make it a standout addition to any garden bed, border, or as a focal point in a landscape design. Blooming in the late spring to early summer, it not only provides visual splendor but may also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Intermediate Bearded Iris, IB Iris
Common names
Iris 'Cee Jay'
ToxicityTo humans
The Iris 'Cee Jay' or intermediate bearded iris is not commonly consumed by humans, but like many irises, it can be toxic if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as isoflavones and iridin, which can cause gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms of iris poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, iris ingestion can lead to further complications such as dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. It is advisable to handle irises with care and wash hands afterwards to prevent accidental ingestion of any plant parts.
To pets
The Iris 'Cee Jay', commonly known as the intermediate bearded iris, can be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes and bulbs are especially harmful and can result in symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Severe cases of iris poisoning in pets can potentially lead to more serious issues such as depression of the central nervous system. It is important to ensure that pets do not have access to chew or ingest parts of the iris plant to prevent toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Iris 'Cee Jay' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its attractive flowers.
- Low Maintenance: It is known for being a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: This iris variety has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in dry regions.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, benefiting the local ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest with striking blooms typically in spring or early summer.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in various landscaping designs, such as borders, beds, and container gardens.
- Propagation Ease: The plant can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Cold Hardy: Iris 'Cee Jay' is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in various climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject - The Iris 'Cee Jay' with its stunning blooms serves as a captivating subject for professional and hobbyist photographers alike, enhancing portfolios and capturing the beauty of nature.
- Artistic inspiration - Artists can draw inspiration from the unique color and form of the Iris 'Cee Jay', using it as a reference for paintings, drawings, or textile designs.
- Educational tool - Horticulturalists and educators can use the Iris 'Cee Jay' to teach about plant hybridization, genetics, and the diversity of the Iris genus.
- Fragrance extraction - Although not commonly known for fragrance, some iris flowers can be used in the creation of perfumes, and the Iris 'Cee Jay' might lend a subtle scent to custom blends.
- Thematic gardening - Iris 'Cee Jay' can be incorporated into theme gardens, such as historical gardens mimicking the designs of past eras where irises were prominent features.
- Culinary decoration - Edible flowers are gaining popularity, and while most irises are not edible, they can be used to garnish plates or decorate cakes, after ensuring they are free of pesticides and other chemicals.
- Mood enhancement - The vibrant colors of the Iris 'Cee Jay' can be used to create a calming and pleasant ambiance in spaces like spas, therapy centers, or retreats.
- Creative crafts - The dried petals of the Iris 'Cee Jay' can be used in craft projects, like natural potpourri, scrapbooking, or pressed flower art.
- Eco-friendly dye - The petals of the Iris 'Cee Jay' might be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yarns, or paper, yielding unique and possibly unexpected colors.
- Water garden feature - The Iris 'Cee Jay', being an Iris variety, is suitable for planting at the edges of ponds or water features, enhancing the aesthetics of water gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The iris is often associated with hope, symbolizing the expectation of positive things and bright future.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, the iris represents wisdom, both celestial and deep inner understanding.
- Trust: The flower can imply trust and belief in someone or something, due to its steady growth and resilience.
- Royalty: Historically, the iris has been linked to royalty and regal bearings, possibly because of its striking appearance and regal stance.
- Purity: The flower also symbolizes purity, especially in the white variety, and is often used in religious or spiritual contexts.
- Courage: Some traditions hold the iris as a symbol of courage, inspired by its bold colors and shape.
- Faith: The iris can signify faith, representing holding firm beliefs often with a spiritual or religious connotation.
- Valor: Much like courage, valor is another quality represented by the iris, symbolizing bravery and strength in adversity.
- Messages and Communication: Iris was a messenger in Greek mythology, and thus the flower can represent the exchange of messages or communication.
WaterIntermediate Bearded Iris should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one to two inches of water each time to encourage deep root development. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Overhead watering is discouraged as it can promote diseases, so use a drip irrigation system or water at the base of the plants. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. During the winter months, reduce watering since the plants are dormant and excess water could cause rot.
LightIntermediate Bearded Iris thrives in full sun to partial shade, but it flowers best when it gets at least six hours of uninterrupted sunlight daily. Plant them in a spot where they are exposed to early morning sunlight, which dries the dew on the leaves and helps prevent disease. Avoid deep shade as this will hinder flowering and can cause the plants to become too leggy.
TemperatureIntermediate Bearded Iris prefers temperatures between 35°F to 75°F for optimal growth, but it can survive temperatures as low as -20°F in winter and can tolerate high summer temperatures up to 90°F. It's important to plant them in a location where they won't be subjected to constant high heat, which can stress the plants.
PruningPruning Intermediate Bearded Iris is mainly done to remove spent flower stalks, which encourages the plant to put energy back into the rhizome for next year's blooms. Trim back the foliage to about 6 inches in the fall to tidy the plant and remove any diseased or dying leaves. The best time for pruning is immediately after blooming and in late fall to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for an Intermediate Bearded Iris like Iris 'Cee Jay' should be well-draining, moderately fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, with an ideal pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix containing loamy garden soil, compost, and gritty material like sand or perlite would be ideal.
RepottingIntermediate Bearded Iris, including Iris 'Cee Jay', generally do not need to be repotted often but should be divided every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and flower production.
Humidity & MistingIntermediate Bearded Iris such as Iris 'Cee Jay' do well in average garden humidity conditions and do not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and minimal watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space rhizomes.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Iris 'Cee Jay' (Intermediate Bearded Iris) begins with seed germination, occurring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are favorable, often in late winter or early spring. The germinated seeds develop into seedlings, which produce roots and small leaves. As the plants mature, they form rhizomes, thickened underground stems from which new shoots and roots grow. The Intermediate Bearded Iris enters a period of vegetative growth, establishing a robust clump of foliage and preparing for flowering. Flowering typically occurs in late spring or early summer, featuring the plant's ornamental blooms which come in various colors and may attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially in regions with cold winters, with the rhizome surviving underground until the next growth cycle begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to fall
The most popular method of propagation for Iris 'Cee Jay', which is in the Intermediate Bearded (IB) iris category, is through division of their rhizomes. This is typically done after the blooming season, which is late summer to early fall. To propagate, one would carefully dig up the iris clumps, ideally when they are dormant, and gently separate the rhizomes, making sure each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. The severed pieces should be allowed to dry for a day or two to allow the cuts to callous over, which helps prevent rotting. Then, these divisions can be replanted in well-draining soil, positioning the rhizome just at or slightly below the soil surface and ensuring the fan of leaves is facing upwards. Watering should be done sparingly until new growth appears, indicating that the division has taken root.
