Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' (TB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' is a captivating and ornamental flowering plant that boasts a delightful visual appeal. Characterized by their striking flowers, these irises exhibit classic flower shapes with three upright petals known as 'standards' and three outer petals called 'falls' that gracefully droop downwards. The color of the blooms is particularly charming, typically presenting a pale to creamy yellow hue that may remind one of the gentle color of an eggshell, hence the name 'Comme un Oeuf' which translates to 'Like an Egg.' The flowers have a silky, almost luminous texture with a subtle, inviting fragrance. The foliage of this iris is equally elegant, consisting of long, slender, sword-shaped leaves that emerge from the base of the plant, forming dense clumps. The leaves are a rich, vibrant green and have a vertical, upright habit that adds architectural interest to the garden. In its full glory during the blooming season, Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' creates an eye-catching display, marrying the softness of its petal hues with the bold form of its leaves. While the blooms are the main attraction, the green foliage remains a beautiful backdrop throughout the growing season, making this plant a valuable addition to any garden for its overall structure and color contrast.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
Common names
Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' (TB).
ToxicityTo humans
Tall Bearded Iris, which includes the cultivar Iris 'Comme un Oeuf', is not highly toxic to humans, but it may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. The most problematic part is the rhizome, which contains irritating substances. Symptoms of ingestion can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation due to its light toxicity.
To pets
Tall Bearded Iris, including the Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' variety, can be poisonous to pets if ingested. The rhizomes contain the most toxins, and can cause gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If a large amount is eaten, there could be a more severe reaction, and veterinary attention may be necessary. It's important to prevent pets from accessing and ingesting the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (61-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: Adds vibrant color and striking form to gardens with its large, egg-shaped white blooms.
- Landscape Design: Effective in borders and as a focal point due to its unique shape and color contrast.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate surrounding plants.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with limited water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone regions.
- Cutting Garden: Blooms are excellent for cut flower arrangements, adding elegance to indoor settings.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides beauty and interest in the spring and early summer garden.
- Herbaceous Perennial: Comes back year after year, reducing the need for annual replanting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Decorative potpourri: The dried petals of the Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' can be used to create a fragrant potpourri mix that adds a gentle scent to rooms.
- Fabric dye: The vivid colors of the Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' petals can be used to naturally dye fabrics, giving them a unique and organic hue.
- Water filtration: The roots of the Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' have been used in constructed wetlands for water filtration, as they can help to absorb certain pollutants.
- Photography subject: This particular iris variety, with its distinctive shape and color, can serve as an inspiring subject for photographers, especially those interested in botanical and macro photography.
- Artistic inspiration: The unique form and color of the Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' can provide a beautiful model for various forms of art, including painting, drawing, and printmaking.
- Floristry training: With its unique appearance, the Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' is an ideal candidate for floristry students to practice different bouquet arrangements and designs.
- Culinary decor: Although not commonly consumed, the petals of the Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' can be used as an elegant garnish for high-end culinary dishes after ensuring they are free of pesticides.
- Living fence: When planted in dense rows, Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' can create a natural and decorative barrier in gardens and yards.
- Educational tool: The Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' can be used in schools or educational programs to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and horticulture.
- Seasonal celebrations: The flowers of the Iris 'Comme un Oeuf' can be incorporated into spring festivals or celebrations as symbols of renewal and beauty due to their seasonal blooming pattern.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Faith: The iris often symbolizes faith and hope, reflecting the idea that the flower can inspire belief in something beyond the visible world.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, the iris is a symbol of wisdom, due to its association with the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger of the gods and a symbol of communication and messages.
- Valor: The iris may represent courage and admiration, possibly originating from the flower's striking appearance and upright stance.
- Purity: Certain varieties of the iris, particularly those with light or white blooms, can symbolize purity and innocence.
- Royalty: With its regal appearance, the iris can be seen as a representation of royalty and noble bearing.
- Hope: The iris's resilience and ability to bloom each year can be a strong reminder of hope and new beginnings.
WaterTall Bearded Irises, including the variety 'Comme un Oeuf,' generally require moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure the soil is well-drained as these plants do not like to sit in water. Water deeply to encourage root growth, approximately one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, but always check the soil moisture first to prevent overwatering. During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly, as too much moisture can cause the rhizomes to rot.
LightTall Bearded Irises, like 'Comme un Oeuf,' thrive in full sun for optimal growth and bloom. Plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, they can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect the blooms from intense heat.
TemperatureTall Bearded Irises, such as 'Comme un Oeuf,' prefer temperate climates and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 5°F in the winter and can endure summer temperatures well into the 90s°F. They perform best with a spring and fall temperature range between 35°F and 70°F, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. It is vital to provide good drainage to prevent rhizome rot during colder, wetter periods.
PruningTall Bearded Irises, such as 'Comme un Oeuf,' should be pruned or deadheaded by removing spent blooms to encourage further flowering and to maintain plant appearance. After blooming, cut flower stalks down to the base to divert energy back to the rhizome for next year's blooms. In late summer or fall, trim back leaves to about six inches in a fan shape to tidy the plant and reduce damage from winter weather.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for the Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Comme un Oeuf') should be well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7. A good mixture could be equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and coarse sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage.
RepottingTall Bearded Irises, like Iris 'Comme un Oeuf', generally do not need frequent repotting. They should be divided and replanted about every 3 to 5 years to rejuvenate the plant and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to fewer blooms.
Humidity & MistingTall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Comme un Oeuf') prefers moderate humidity levels. Although they are tolerant of varying environmental conditions, they perform best when humidity is not excessively high, which can promote disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright light, ensure good airflow, don't overwater.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, and provide space.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Iris 'Comme un Oeuf', also known as Tall Bearded Iris, begins with seed germination, where the plant initially develops roots and shoots under optimal conditions of moisture and temperature. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage where it forms a network of rhizomes and leaves, gaining the energy required to grow and mature. During the flowering stage, the Tall Bearded Iris produces its distinctive large and often colorful flowers, which attract pollinators such as insects and birds. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that are dispersed to give rise to new plants, completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions are not suitable for seed production, the iris can also propagate vegetatively through the division of its rhizomes. As perennial plants, they enter a period of dormancy in response to colder temperatures during the winter months, re-emerging to begin the cycle anew in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
Propogation: The Iris 'Comme un Oeuf', a Tall Bearded Iris variety, propagates most effectively through division, which is typically done in late summer after the blooming period has ended. This allows the plant enough time to establish before the onset of cold weather. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of irises, preserving as much of the root system as possible. Then, using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes, ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. Trimming the leaves to a length of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) before replanting helps to reduce water loss and makes handling easier. The divided rhizomes should then be replanted at soil level, spaced about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. This simple process is highly effective in increasing your stock of irises and maintaining plant vigor.
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