Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Clear Morning Sky' (TB)

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.