Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Dawning' (TB)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Dawning' is a captivating variety of bearded iris, often admired for its striking flowers and elegant foliage. This perennial has a clump-forming habit featuring sword-shaped, bright green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its blooms. The flowers are the real showstoppers, with each petal exhibiting an exquisite blend of colors that can include shades of pastel and deeper hues. The petals typically showcase a complex pattern of veining, with some boasting a ruffled or laced edge that adds to their opulence. The bearded portion of the flower is often a contrasting color, which is a fuzzy strip that runs along the center of each of the lower petals and is a hallmark of bearded irises. These blossoms typically emerge in the spring or early summer, bringing with them a delightful fragrance that can be sweet and alluring. The iris 'Dawning' adds a dramatic flair to any garden setting with its colorful and textured blooms, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts who wish to inject a sense of elegance and beauty into their displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, Dawning
Common names
Iris 'Dawning' (TB)
ToxicityTo humans
Iris 'Dawning' (TB), commonly known as the bearded iris, is considered to be mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, the rhizomes (rootstocks) of bearded irises can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Contact with the sap may also result in skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
Bearded iris, the common name for Iris 'Dawning' (TB), is also considered to be mildly toxic to pets. If animals ingest the rhizomes or other parts of the plant, they could experience symptoms similar to humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. It is advised to prevent pets from chewing on this plant to avoid these potential adverse health effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet [0.61-0.91 meters]
Spread
1-2 feet [0.3-0.61 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Landscape: Iris 'Dawning' adds vibrant colors and distinctive form to gardens and landscapes with its elegant blooms.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators vital for the health of the ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides a seasonal display when in bloom and can offer structural interest even when not in flower.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this variety can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will come back each year, allowing gardeners to enjoy its beauty without replanting annually.
- Versatile Planting Options: It can be used in mixed borders, as a focal point, or in mass plantings for a dramatic effect.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, allowing one to bring the beauty and fragrance indoors.
- Cold Hardy: Iris 'Dawning' is tolerant to cold temperatures and can be grown in a variety of climates.
- Propagates Easily: It can be easily propagated by dividing the rhizomes, enabling gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink Production: The petals of the iris can be used to create a natural dye or ink for art and craft projects.
- Perfumery: Iris 'Dawning' can contribute a delicate fragrance to perfumes and scented products.
- Culinary Garnish: Its edible petals can be used to decorate and add a floral hint to desserts and salads.
- Photography Subject: Iris 'Dawning' with its striking blooms is a popular subject for photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Symbolism in Events: Often used in bouquets and decorations for events that require a symbol of wisdom or hope, such as graduations or memorials.
- Eco-Printing: The leaves and flowers can be used in eco-printing techniques to leave beautiful natural prints on paper or fabric.
- Textile Dye: The iris can be processed to produce a natural dye for textiles, offering a range of purple and blue hues.
- Drawing & Painting Inspiration: Artists may use the iris as inspiration or directly incorporate its form in their artwork.
- Floral Crafts: Petals and stems can be used in making dried flower arrangements or potpourri.
- Wedding Decor: Due to its elegant appearance, the iris is used in wedding floral decorations featuring pastel or vivid color themes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiIris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityIris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity and Innocence: Traditionally, the iris represents purity and is often associated with the Virgin Mary in Christian iconography.
- Hope and Faith: The iris is seen as a symbol of hope and faith, with its blooms signifying a promise in difficult times.
- Royalty and Wisdom: In ancient Greece, the iris was linked to the goddess Iris, who was the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow, signaling a connection to royalty and divine wisdom.
- Valor and Bravery: Given its sword-shaped leaves, the iris can symbolize valor and bravery, reminiscent of a knight's code of chivalry.
- Messages and Communication: As the flower named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods, the iris can also be associated with communication and the delivery of messages.
WaterThe Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as Iris 'Dawning', should be watered thoroughly once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time. During the hot summer months, increase watering frequency to twice per week. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as irises prefer not to sit in water. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing moisture on the foliage which can promote disease. In the fall, reduce watering to help the plants harden off for winter.
LightTall Bearded Irises thrive best in full sunlight where they can receive at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. The perfect spot would be an area that is exposed to full sun from morning to afternoon. These irises can tolerate partial shade, but too little light can lead to fewer blooms.
TemperatureTall Bearded Irises are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and can handle maximum temperatures well above 90°F. However, the ideal growth temperature for an Iris 'Dawning' is between 55°F and 75°F. Ensure proper mulching to protect them from extreme cold.
PruningPruning or deadheading Tall Bearded Irises after they bloom helps promote healthy growth and can prevent disease. Remove spent flower stalks down to the base of the plant. Also, remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to encourage good air circulation. In late summer or early fall, trim the fans of leaves to about 6 inches to prepare the plants for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall bearded iris thrive in well-draining soil with moderate fertility. A good mix is equal parts loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to ensure drainage. A pH of 6.8 to 7.0 is ideal.
RepottingTall bearded iris do not need frequent repotting; they prefer to be divided every 3 to 5 years or when clumps become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingTall bearded iris are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Give bright light, minimal water, and ensure cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and space rhizomes apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of an Iris 'Dawning', commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, begins with seed germination, which occurs in a moist, well-drained soil environment, usually requiring a period of stratification to break seed dormancy. After germination, the seedling grows and develops into a young plant with a small rhizome and a few leaves. Over time, the rhizome enlarges and the plant matures, producing long, sword-shaped leaves and a strong stem that will eventually bear the distinctive large, showy flowers for which Tall Bearded Iris are known. The flowering stage typically occurs in late spring to early summer, and after blooming, seed capsules may form if pollination has occurred. Once the seeds are mature, the capsules will open, allowing seeds to disperse, thus potentially beginning a new lifecycle. In the meantime, the parent plant will enter a period of dormancy during the hotter months, conserving energy until the next growing season where the cycle repeats with new vegetative growth and further flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to fall
The most popular method of propagating the Iris 'Dawning', commonly known as the Tall Bearded Iris, is through division. This method typically takes place in late summer, several weeks after the flowering period, when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, gardeners dig up the iris clumps and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots attached. The divisions are then trimmed, cutting leaves back to about one-third of their height to minimize water loss and make planting easier. These divided rhizomes are replanted in well-draining soil, at a shallow depth where the tops of the rhizomes are barely covered with soil, and spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches apart (roughly 30 to 61 centimeters) to allow for ample growth. After replanting, it is important to water the irises well to help establish them in their new location.
