Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Clear Morning Sky' (TB)
![iris 'Clear Morning Sky'](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b64025f472.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The plant Iris 'Clear Morning Sky' is a captivating iris variety, known for its beautiful flowers that bloom in a mesmerizing blend of colors. The flowers are large and showy, with petals that are a pristine white at the base, gently blending into a pale blue at the edges, very similar to a morning sky that is clearing after dawn. This gradation of color gives the flowers a serene and delicate appearance. Each bloom exhibits the classic iris flower structure, with three upright petals, known as standards, and three downward-curving sepals called falls, which often have a slight ruffling or flaring at the edges. The falls may showcase a soft, ruffled texture and sometimes display a touch of a yellow or white beard at their base, providing a striking contrast against the blue tones. The foliage of 'Clear Morning Sky' consists of long, sword-like leaves that are a rich green color, forming an attractive, upright clump. The leaves emerge from rhizomes at the base and create a showy backdrop for the stunning flowers. The plant's overall aesthetic is one of elegant beauty, making it a prized selection for gardeners seeking to create a harmonious and tranquil garden space reminiscent of the soft, ethereal qualities of an early morning sky.
About this plant
Names
Family
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
Common names
Iris 'Clear Morning Sky'.
Toxicity
To humans
The bearded iris, generally, are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Contact with the plant sap can also cause skin irritation in some people. Therefore, it is wise to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of the bearded iris, or to handle the plant if you have sensitive skin.
To pets
The bearded iris can be toxic to pets if ingested, primarily causing gastrointestinal irritation, including symptoms like vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea. The rhizomes (underground stems) are considered the most toxic part of the plant. If a pet consumes a large amount of the plant material, or especially the rhizomes, it would be wise to contact a veterinarian.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits
- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: The Iris 'Clear Morning Sky,' with its distinctive blooms, adds visual interest and beauty to gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of iris is known for its ease of care, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishing a root system, it can withstand periods of low water intake, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal beauty with its spring blossoms, adding to the variety of colors in the garden.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, containers, and as a specimen plant, offering various landscaping uses.
- Durable Perennial: As a perennial, it returns each year, providing a long-lasting addition to the garden.
- Resistance to Deer: The Iris 'Clear Morning Sky' is generally resistant to grazing by deer, protecting its blooms.
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
- Iris 'Clear Morning Sky' petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a unique and subtle color derived from its blooms.
- The tall, strong stems of irises can be used in light basketry or as natural supports for other plants in the garden.
- Dried iris flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a gentle scent and a touch of color.
- Iris rhizomes can be used in perfumery to provide a grounding fragrance note known as orris root.
- The fibrous leaves of the iris can be woven into garden mats or used to tie plants for a biodegradable option.
- Irises can be used in educational programs to demonstrate pollination and the lifecycle of perennial plants to students.
- The plant can serve as a symbol in art and literature, representing ideas such as hope, faith, and wisdom.
- Iris flowers can be used in floral arrangements to indicate messages of sympathy or inspiration, as they carry deep symbolism.
- Iris seed pods have a unique shape and can be used in dry flower arrangements or as part of craft decorations.
- Water collected from the morning dew on irises can be used in artisanal cosmetics and fragrances for a natural essence.
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: The iris often represents faith and hope, embodying a trust in the future and belief in spirituality.
- Wisdom: Associated with the Greek goddess Iris, it symbolizes wisdom and valued knowledge.
- Courage: The robust nature of the iris suggests bravery and the courage to face challenges.
- Royalty: Historically linked to the French monarchy, the fleur-de-lis is a stylized iris that connotes nobility and regal bearing.
- Purity: The clear, refreshing hue of the 'Clear Morning Sky' iris could evoke a sense of purity and cleanliness.
- Hope: The iris's resilient blooming is a reminder that, despite hardships, there is always the hope for new beginnings.
Water
Tall bearded iris, commonly referred to as iris, typically prefer not to be overwatered. During the growing season, water the plants once a week with approximately a gallon of water per square yard, if there has been no substantial rainfall. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging as irises are prone to root rot in wet conditions. In hot, dry weather, increase watering frequency to twice a week but be cautious not to saturate the soil. During the dormancy period in winter, reduce watering significantly, providing just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
Light
Irises thrive best in full sun. To ensure they receive ample light, they should be planted in a spot where they are exposed to at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid planting them in shaded areas, as too little light can hamper flower production and increase susceptibility to diseases.
Temperature
Tall bearded irises are quite hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. They can survive minimum winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for irises is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. However, maintain proper moisture levels during extreme heat to prevent stress on the plants.
Pruning
Pruning or deadheading irises helps to promote reblooming and prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Cut off the spent flower stems at their base after blooming to tidy up the plant and encourage further blooms. Pruning is also necessary at the end of the season, removing and discarding any diseased or damaged leaves, which helps prevent iris borer problems.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Clear Morning Sky' thrives in a well-drained soil mix that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mixture for this iris can be made with equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and provide essential nutrients.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Clear Morning Sky' do not require frequent repotting and are typically divided and replanted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plants. It's best done after the blooming season, in late summer.
Humidity & Misting
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Clear Morning Sky' prefers outdoor conditions where it is not dependent on high humidity levels. It can thrive in areas with average humidity levels, so focusing on proper soil drainage and sun exposure is more critical than managing humidity.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Grow Tall Bearded Iris by a sunny window in well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; divide every 3-5 years.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Tall Bearded Iris 'Clear Morning Sky' begins its journey as a dormant rhizome, which will sprout into a young plant in early spring, typically showing slender, vertical foliage. Following this juvenile period, the iris grows steadily, developing a strong root system and foliage that can withstand the changing seasons. During late spring to early summer, the iris reaches its flowering maturity, flaunting decorative blooms that can be a range of colors, with 'Clear Morning Sky' likely presenting its trademark light blue or violet-hued petals. After the blooming period, the plant enters a phase of vegetative growth where it stores energy in the rhizome for the next cycle. As the growing season ends and autumn approaches, the foliage matures and eventually dies back, while the rhizome goes dormant in preparation for overwintering. The cycle is completed when the iris reemerges from dormancy with the onset of the next spring, ready to repeat the process.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Clear Morning Sky' is most commonly propagated by division, a process that is best done in late summer to early fall after the blooming season has finished, usually July through September. To propagate by division, the clumps of the iris are carefully dug up and the rhizomes are separated. Each division should have at least one or two leaf fans. The excess dirt is shaken off, and the leaves are trimmed to a third of their height, approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters). The divided rhizomes are then replanted in well-draining soil, with the top of the rhizome slightly exposed to the sun, and spaced about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. This method ensures that each new plant will be a true copy of the 'Clear Morning Sky' variety, maintaining its unique characteristics.