Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Designer's Choice' (TB)

Water

Tall Bearded Iris should be watered deeply but infrequently, ensuring thorough saturation of the soil to promote deep root growth. During the growing season, water the Iris once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant, adjusting for rainfall. After the plant has finished blooming, reduce watering to every other week unless there is significant rainfall. In hot and dry conditions, check the soil moisture regularly as additional watering may be necessary. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent issues with rot; instead, water at the base of the plant.

Light

Tall Bearded Iris thrives in full sunlight, so choose a spot in the garden that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal location will allow the Iris to receive early morning sun, which helps to quickly evaporate any dew on the leaves and prevents fungal diseases. Partial shade, especially in the afternoon, can be tolerated but may result in fewer blooms.

Temperature

Tall Bearded Iris prefers temperate climate conditions and fares well in temperatures ranging from 75 to 90°F during the growing season but can survive in temperatures as low as 14 to -10°F during winter dormancy. The ideal growing temperature for Tall Bearded Iris is between 55 and 75°F. Avoid planting in locations where the temperature frequently exceeds 90°F without afternoon shade, as it can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Tall Bearded Iris is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging vibrant blooms. After blooms have faded, cut flower stalks down to the base to prevent seed formation, which diverts energy from next year's growth. In late summer or early fall, trim away any brown or damaged leaves to encourage a healthy environment. The best time for major pruning is in late summer after flowering, when dividing Iris, removing and discarding the oldest central sections of the rhizomes.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tall Bearded Iris, commonly referred to simply as Bearded Iris, thrives best in well-draining, loamy soil with good aeration. A pH level ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.8 - 7.0) is ideal for this iris variety. Compost or aged manure can be mixed into the soil to improve fertility and drainage, but avoid excessive organic material that retains water, as this can cause rhizome rot.

Repotting

Bearded Iris typically does not require frequent repotting as it is usually grown in the ground. However, every 3 to 5 years, it's beneficial to divide and replant the rhizomes in fresh soil to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant, ensuring vigorous growth and blooming.

Humidity & Misting

Bearded Iris prefers outdoor conditions where it is exposed to natural airflow, and it does not have specific humidity requirements. This plant is quite hardy and tolerant of varying humidity levels, so long as it is planted in well-draining soil and not overwatered.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, good airflow, and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, ensure soil drains well, divide every 3-5 years.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Iris 'Designer's Choice', commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, begins with seed germination, where the seeds require a period of cold dormancy to break dormancy and sprout. After germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, growing leaves and roots while storing energy in its rhizomes. Following vegetative growth, the iris enters a phase of reproductive maturity and produces complex, showy flowers typically in late spring to early summer. Once pollination occurs, the flowers fade and seed pods form, which upon maturing, split open to release seeds for the next generation. Post-bloom, the foliage remains, continuing to gather energy and nutrients, before the plant goes dormant in the winter. Each year, the rhizomes can be divided and replanted to propagate new plants, continuing the lifecycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Summer

• Propogation: The Tall Bearded Iris 'Designer's Choice' is commonly propagated through division of its rhizomes. This process is best undertaken after the flowering season has ended, typically late summer to early fall. The plant's clump should be lifted from the ground gently to avoid damaging the rhizomes. Using a sharp, clean knife, the gardener should cut the rhizome into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots attached. These sections can then be replanted into well-draining soil at a spacing of about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters) apart, with the rhizome slightly exposed to the air. This encourages the development of new growth and allows the Iris 'Designer's Choice' to establish itself before the onset of winter.