Iris Iris 'Domino Noir' (TB)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Domino Noir' is an enchanting variety that boasts striking blooms with a unique color combination. Its flowers exhibit rich, velvety dark purple, nearly black shades, which are contrasted by a small patch of white or creamy yellow at the base of the petals. The delicate veining that runs through the petals enhances their sophisticated look. Each flower is comprised of six lobes; three upright petals called "standards" and three downward curving petals known as "falls." The standards are beautifully shaped, adding an architectural element to the flower's silhouette, while the falls are broad and ruffled, lending a lush, full appearance to each blossom. The flowers bloom on tall, sturdy stalks that rise majestically from a clump of sword-shaped, bright green leaves. The leaves themselves provide a vertical element in the garden, with their upright habit and pointed tips. 'Domino Noir' is a feast for the eyes when in bloom, presenting an air of elegance and mystery that makes it a favorite among gardeners and a standout in any floral display where it appears. Additionally, this iris variety may exhibit a subtle fragrance, adding another sensory layer to its already impressive floral show.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Bearded Iris, German Iris
Common names
Iris 'Domino Noir' (TB).
- Toxicity
To humans
The Iris 'Domino Noir' (TB), commonly known as the Tall Bearded Iris, has parts that are considered mildly toxic if ingested. It contains compounds, such as irisin, iridin, or irisine, which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of the Tall Bearded Iris to prevent these symptoms.
To pets
The Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as the Iris 'Domino Noir' (TB), can be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes contain irisin, iridin, or irisine, which can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. It is advised to prevent pets from consuming any part of the Tall Bearded Iris to avoid these potential health issues.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3 feet (91 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Iris 'Domino Noir' (Tall Bearded Iris) has striking flowers that add visual appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it requires minimal watering and can withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: This variety typically requires little care beyond occasional division every few years.
- Pest Resistance: Tall Bearded Iris tends to be resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of surviving and blooming after winters in colder climates, within its hardiness zones.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting biodiversity.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a long-lasting display of flowers from late spring to early summer.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, beds, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Soil Adaptability: This iris can grow in a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soil.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is generally not a preferred food source for deer, which can help reduce garden damage in areas with deer populations.
- 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
- The rhizomes of bearded iris can be dried and preserved for use in potpourris; Iris 'Domino Noir' has a pleasant scent that can freshen up spaces in a natural way.
- Dried bearded iris petals can be incorporated into paper-making for added texture and visual appeal in handmade papers.
- Bearded iris flowers can be pressed and used in crafting, such as creating bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art pieces.
- The strong, fibrous leaves of bearded iris can be woven to create small, decorative items such as baskets and mats.
- Gardeners might utilize the distinctive shape and color of Iris 'Domino Noir' in landscape design to create dramatic contrasts with lighter-colored plants.
- Iris 'Domino Noir' can be used as a natural dye, where the petals impart colors ranging from soft blue to deep purple on fabrics or yarns.
- The patterns and colors of the bearded iris petals can inspire artists in various mediums, including textile design, painting, and digital art.
- Photographers may use the striking appearance of Iris 'Domino Noir' as a subject for botanical photography, enhancing portfolios with its deep hues.
- Culinary artists might use the petals of bearded iris sparingly as an edible decoration on desserts, though they must ensure the particular variety is non-toxic and grown without harmful chemicals.
- Floral designers may use dried or fresh bearded iris blooms in non-traditional floral arrangements, such as dry or scented arrangements, due to their unique shape and bold color.
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
- Hope: Often associated with hope, the Iris is a reminder that through challenging times, there is always a possibility for a positive outcome.
- Faith: As a symbol of faith, the Iris reinforces the belief in the unseen and trust in the journey ahead.
- Wisdom: Due to its regal appearance, the Iris can signify wisdom, valuing knowledge and learning in life’s journey.
- Courage: The bold colors of the 'Domino Noir' variety especially convey courage and admiration, often inspiring confidence in the face of adversity.
- Royalty: Irises have a royal connotation, suggesting majesty, elegance, and preeminence.
- Water
Tall Bearded Irises, like the Iris 'Domino Noir', have moderate watering needs, generally requiring around 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Deep, infrequent watering is best, aiming to encourage deep root growth; therefore, you might water with about 1 gallon per week per plant, applied directly at the base, to minimize wetting the foliage. During the growing season, especially when rainfall fails to meet the plant's needs, additional watering is crucial. Conversely, reduce watering after blooming has finished and during dormancy in the fall to prevent root rot. Always ensure the soil has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling.
- Light
Tall Bearded Irises like Iris 'Domino Noir' perform best in full sun conditions, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a spot in your garden where the plant will get unfiltered sunlight for most of the day; this will help ensure vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Light shade, particularly in the afternoon, is tolerable, but too much shade can lead to poor flowering.
- Temperature
Tall Bearded Irises such as Iris 'Domino Noir' prefer temperate climates and can survive in a wide temperature range from 30°F to 90°F, but they thrive best when daytime temperatures are between 68°F and 86°F. They can withstand light frosts, but prolonged extreme cold or heat can be detrimental to the plants. Ensure they're planted in areas that don't experience severe temperature fluctuations.
- Pruning
Prune Tall Bearded Irises like Iris 'Domino Noir' to remove spent flowers and trim back foliage after blooming to maintain plant health and aesthetic appeal. Annual pruning should be done by cutting the flower stems down at their base after blooms have finished. Clean up any dead or damaged leaves throughout the season to promote good air circulation. Foliage should be trimmed down to about 6 inches in the late fall to get ready for winter and discourage pest problems.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Tall Bearded Iris 'Domino Noir' prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0. A soil mix with plenty of organic matter, such as loam augmented with compost and coarse sand, is ideal to facilitate drainage and provide nutrients.
- Repotting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Domino Noir' does not require frequent repotting and can be divided every 3 to 5 years. It's best to repot and divide them after blooming, during late summer.
- Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Domino Noir' is tolerant of most humidity levels typical of outdoor garden conditions and does not require specific humidity adjustments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in a sunny spot, ensure good airflow and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun exposure and well-draining soil composition.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Iris 'Domino Noir' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life cycle as a rhizome, which is a type of bulb-like structure that is planted just below the soil surface. When growth conditions are suitable, typically in early spring, new shoots emerge from the rhizome, developing into long, sword-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, flower stalks called "scapes" grow upward, culminating in the blooming of distinctive black flowers often highlighted with deep purple or maroon shades, usually in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by insects like bees, the flowers produce dry capsules containing seeds. Once the flowering ends, the foliage continues to photosynthesize and store energy in the rhizome for the following season. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in late autumn or winter, during which the foliage dies back, and the rhizome rests until the next growing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Iris 'Domino Noir', which is a tall bearded iris, is through division of the rhizomes. This process is best done after the flowering period, typically in late summer to early fall. To begin, carefully dig up the iris clumps, maintaining as much of the root system as possible. Once the clump is out of the ground, clean off excess dirt and separate the rhizomes by gently pulling them apart or cutting them with a clean, sharp knife. Each division should have at least one fan of leaves and a portion of healthy rhizome with roots. Trim the leaves to about 6 inches (15 centimeters) to reduce water loss and replant the divisions 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart. Water the newly planted rhizomes well to help establish them. This process is a reliable way to both propagate the irises and rejuvenate older plants that have become less vigorous over time.