Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Diabolique' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Diabolique' falls under the category of bearded irises, known for their unique and striking flowers. This iris variety is particularly eye-catching, boasting blooms that display a luxurious blend of colors. Each flower features petals that typically exhibit deep, velvety maroon or purple tones, which may appear almost black in certain lighting. The petals have a plush appearance, with the standard ones (upright parts of the flower) often lighter in shade than the falls (lower petals that hang down or spread horizontally). The contrast is further emphasized by the presence of the beard, a fuzzy line, or patch that adds texture and is often a vibrant golden, yellow, or white color in this iris, providing a dramatic contrast to the dark petals. The blooms are large and showy, drawing attention with their flaring, ruffled edges, which add to the luxurious texture and rich presentation. Their elegant form and color combination make them a coveted choice for gardeners looking to create a striking visual statement in their flower beds or borders. The foliage of Iris 'Diabolique' consists of long, sword-shaped leaves that are a bright, fresh green. They rise from the base of the plant in a fan-like arrangement, providing an upright, structured backdrop for the dramatic blooms. The leaves remain attractive throughout the growing season, adding to the ornamental value of the plant even when it is not in bloom. The contrast between the foliage and the dark, sultry flowers can create a mysterious and sophisticated atmosphere in the garden.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Bearded Iris, Tall Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Diabolique' (TB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Tall Bearded Iris, including the variety 'Diabolique', is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, all parts of the plant contain certain compounds that can induce irritation if ingested. Ingesting large quantities of any part of the plant might lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the sap can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
- To pets
  The Tall Bearded Iris, like the 'Diabolique' cultivar, can be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes, which are the horizontal stems of the plant, contain irisin, iridin, or irisine which can cause gastrointestinal upset such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although not typically life-threatening, if your pet consumes a large quantity of the plant, especially the rhizomes, it is recommended to seek veterinary advice.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  3 feet (91 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3-9
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Iris 'Diabolique' has striking flowers that enhance the visual appeal of any garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal interest in the garden.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, irises require minimal care, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Irises are relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water than many other plants.
- Variety: This cultivar adds unique color with its dark hues, diversifying the garden palette.
- Cutting Garden Plant: The blooms are suitable for cutting and can add beauty to floral arrangements.
- Deer Resistance: Iris 'Diabolique' is generally resistant to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from wildlife.
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
- Bioindicator Species: Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, irises can be used to monitor ecosystem health and detect pollution or contaminants in their habitat.
- Natural Dyes: The flowers, especially when dried, can provide natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues ranging from blue and purple to nearly black.
- Fragrance Production: Some iris species are used in perfumery for their characteristic scent, although it's more common with Iris pallida and Iris germanica.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of the iris can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion along water banks or in garden settings.
- Fish Ponds: Irises are sometimes planted around the edges of fish ponds as they can provide shade and shelter for fish, as well as enhance the aesthetic appeal.
- Garden Design: With their distinctive foliage and flowers, irises can be used for dramatic effect in gardens, especially in mass plantings or as focal points.
- Educational Tool: In schools and educational gardens, irises can be used to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and botany.
- Floral Art: Irises are a popular choice in floral arrangements and can be used to create striking and contemporary designs due to their unique shape and colors.
- Insect Habitat: Some irises may serve as a habitat for certain insects, providing shelter and food, and thus supporting local biodiversity.
- Photography Subject: Irises, with their dramatic appearance and vibrant colors, are a favored subject for photographers, both amateurs and professionals.

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
- Hopes and Dreams: The iris is often associated with hope and dreaming of a bright future due to its beautiful blossoms that emerge in the spring. 'Diabolique' with its striking presence reiterates this belief.
- Wisdom and Compliments: In some cultures, the iris represents wisdom. Giving someone an iris like 'Diabolique' can be a way of complimenting their knowledge and insight.
- Faith and Valor: Historically, the iris has symbolized faith and valor. As a variety with a bold appearance, 'Diabolique' can be used to encourage someone to maintain their courage.
- Purity and Innocence: While the dark hues of 'Diabolique' might suggest mystery, irises are traditionally tied to purity and innocence, reminiscent of its use in religious artworks.
- Royalty and Majesty: Irises can symbolize royalty and majesty, which stems from the French monarchy's use of the fleur-de-lis, a symbol based on the iris. 'Diabolique', with its regal blooms, expresses this nobility.

💧

When soil is dry

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to early fall

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
For Tall Bearded Iris, such as 'Diabolique', watering should be done carefully to avoid excessive moisture around the roots, which can lead to rot. These irises prefer to be watered deeply to encourage root growth, so aim to provide about an inch of water per week, depending on weather conditions. In the absence of rainfall, water the plants thoroughly once a week, using approximately half a gallon per plant. During the hotter, drier months, you may need to water twice a week. It's essential to allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent overwatering and ensure the health of the plant.
Light
Tall Bearded Iris, including 'Diabolique', thrives in full sun conditions. The ideal spot for these irises is a location where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid planting them in areas with significant shade, as this can affect their ability to flower. A south-facing garden bed is often a suitable spot that provides the necessary sunlight for these irises to flourish.
Temperature
Tall Bearded Iris 'Diabolique' can withstand a wide range of temperatures but perform best when the daytime temperature is approximately 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive winter temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them hardy in many climates. However, during active growth and bloom periods, moderate temperatures are ideal for ensuring the best performance of these irises.
Pruning
Prune Tall Bearded Iris 'Diabolique' immediately after they finish blooming to remove spent flower stalks and maintain plant health. Regular pruning encourages new growth and can prevent disease. Additionally, divide and trim the rhizomes every three to five years to rejuvenate the plant and encourage more blooms. The best time for division and pruning is late summer, after the blooming season is over.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for growing Tall Bearded Iris 'Diabolique' consists of well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, preferably between 6.8 and 7.0. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and nutrient availability.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Diabolique' typically don't require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. It's advisable to divide and repot these irises every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and promote vigorous growth.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Diabolique' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. They thrive in the open air with natural humidity.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light and cool temperatures for indoor Tall Bearded Iris.
- Outdoor
  Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil; divide every 3-5 years.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Diabolique' (Tall Bearded Iris), begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in late summer to early fall, after a period of dormancy and stratification to break down the seed's tough outer coating. The seedling develops roots and foliage and overwinters in a rosette stage, where it establishes a strong root system. In its second year and subsequent years, the plant enters a vegetative stage where it grows its characteristic long, sword-like leaves and expands through rhizome growth. During spring to early summer, the Tall Bearded Iris blooms, displaying its striking dark purple flowers atop a stem, which can be a prominent phase for gardeners and the plant's reproductive cycle. After blooming, the plant sets seed pods if pollination occurs, while the foliage remains and continues to photosynthesize to store energy in the rhizomes. Finally, in late summer or early fall, the iris becomes dormant, with the foliage dying back, and the cycle begins anew with the next generation of seeds or the growth of new shoots from the rhizomes in the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to early fall
- The Iris 'Diabolique', a Tall Bearded (TB) iris, is conventionally propagated by division. This process is commonly done in late summer after the blooming has finished and the foliage starts to fade, which is roughly in July or August. To propagate by division, the rhizomes, which are the thick underground stems, are dug up and carefully separated ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizome. The cut sections of the rhizome should be allowed to dry for a day before replanting to prevent rot. When planting the divisions, the top of the rhizome should be just barely covered with soil and spaced about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for enough space for the plants to grow. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in maintaining the genetic consistency of the 'Diabolique' iris.