Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Early Light' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Early Light' is a type of bearded iris, known for its striking and ornamental flowers. The blooms are large and showy, generally comprising three upright petals (called standards) and three downward-arching petals (known as falls). The standards are a soft, pale yellow that can seem almost ethereal in the early morning light, from which the iris gets its name "Early Light." The falls are of a deeper, richer yellow and may have a faint hint of peach or apricot coloration toward the edges, with some delicate veining or spotting that adds to their visual appeal. The petals often have slightly ruffled edges, adding a touch of frilliness and texture to the blooms. In the center of the flower, there's typically a beard, which is a fuzzy, caterpillar-like line that may be a contrasting hue. This beard adds an extra dimension of color and is a distinctive characteristic of bearded irises. Surrounding the flowers, you will find long, sword-shaped leaves that are a deep, rich green, often with a slightly glaucous or silvery sheen. These leaves grow in a fan-like pattern and can provide an attractive backdrop to the stunning flowers. The leaves are somewhat stiff and can create a vertical structural element to the plant's overall appearance. Blooming mainly in the spring, Iris 'Early Light' is a perennial, returning year after year to grace gardens with its beautiful early blossoms. After the flowering period, the foliage continues to contribute texture and form to the garden setting throughout the growing season.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Early Light' (TB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Early Light', commonly known simply as Iris, contains irisin, iridin, or irisine, which are natural compounds that can cause toxicity when ingested. If humans consume any part of an Iris plant, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The rhizomes (underground stems) are considered to be more toxic than the leaves or flowers. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation due to the presence of these compounds. Ingesting Iris plant parts should be avoided to prevent these negative health effects.
- To pets
  The Iris 'Early Light', also known just as Iris, is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can cause more serious effects, including breathing difficulties and even liver damage or death. It is critical for pet owners to ensure that their pets do not chew on or consume any part of an Iris plant to avoid the risk of poisoning.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  3 feet (91 cm)
- Spread
  2 feet (61 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Decorative Appeal: The Iris 'Early Light' is valued for its striking floral display, with attractive coloration and large, ornate flowers.
- Garden Versatility: It can be planted in borders, beds, and as a specimen plant, offering multiple uses in landscape design.
- Pollinator Attraction: This type of iris attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance for periods of low water, which is beneficial in dryer climates.
- Low Maintenance: Iris 'Early Light' requires minimal upkeep beyond the initial planting and annual maintenance, such as dividing every few years.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides a burst of color in the spring garden when many other plants are just beginning to grow.
- Hardiness: This plant is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand cold winters, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Longevity: Irises can live and bloom for many years, often with minimal care after their first few establishing years.
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
- Iris 'Early Light' petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, providing a unique spectrum of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The robust, fibrous leaves of the Iris can be woven into mats, baskets, and even sandals, showing the plant's versatility beyond its ornamental value.
- The plant's sturdy stems can be used as natural garden stakes, offering support to other plants without the need for artificial materials.
- Iris 'Early Light' can be planted to help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion due to their extensive root systems.
- The flowers can be used to decorate cakes and pastries when crystallized, adding an elegant and edible ornamental touch.
- Iris rhizomes can be processed to create ink used in traditional calligraphy, though this is a less known application of the plant.
- The plant is often used in perfumery as a source of 'orris root', which is valued for its violet-like fragrance and is used as a fixative to enhance the longevity of scents.
- Iris 'Early Light's' distinctive shape can be used as an inspiration for art and design, influencing patterns in textiles, wallpaper, and other decorative elements.
- The seeds can be strung into jewelry, such as necklaces or bracelets, providing a natural, earthy aesthetic.
- During blooming season, Irises can act as indicators of seasonal change in educational settings, helping students learn about phenology and the timing of biological events.

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: The iris often symbolizes hope, represented by its vibrant bloom heralding the start of spring.
- Wisdom: In various cultural mythologies, the iris is tied to wisdom, perhaps because of its regal appearance.
- Trust: Giving someone an iris can be a symbol of trust, conveying deep confidence in them.
- Courage: Historically, the iris has been associated with valor and bravery, especially in heraldic emblems.
- Royalty: The iris, particularly the purple variety, is often connected to royalty and elegance.
- Faith: The flower can represent faith, with its petals signifying a belief or conviction that is held.
- Purity: Irises might be used to signify purity and innocence, particularly white irises.

💧

Every two weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer to Autumn

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Tall Bearded Iris should be watered deeply once a week during their active growth period, especially if the weather is dry. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. Each plant typically needs about a gallon of water, which helps ensure the moisture reaches deep into the roots. During the dormant season, which is late fall through winter, reduce watering significantly and only provide supplemental water if there is an extended dry period.
Light
Tall Bearded Iris thrives in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these irises is an area where they receive morning sunlight promptly as this helps dry the dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
Temperature
Tall Bearded Iris prefers temperate climates and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 90°F; however, the ideal growing temperature is between 55°F and 75°F. It is crucial to ensure the rhizomes do not freeze solid or overheat, as extreme temperatures can be damaging to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning a Tall Bearded Iris involves removing the spent flower stalks after blooming to promote healthy growth and prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. Additionally, trim back the foliage in late fall to minimize overwintering pests and diseases. Pruning should be done annually or as needed to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Tall Bearded Iris 'Early Light' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost and a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A mix that includes loamy soil with compost and coarse sand is ideal to ensure good drainage and provide necessary nutrients.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Early Light' typically don't need frequent repotting and are best divided and replanted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Early Light' prefers outdoor conditions where it is not dependent on high humidity levels; average garden humidity is generally suitable for this plant.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and minimal water for Tall Bearded Iris.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space rhizomes apart.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Early Light' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome, which sprouts new roots and foliage as temperatures warm in spring. The plant then develops long, sword-like leaves, forming a fan-like growth, which is followed by the emergence of flower stalks bearing buds. These buds bloom into the distinctive, colorful flowers for which irises are known, usually in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the plant focuses on photosynthesis and storing energy in the rhizome for the next season. As fall approaches, the iris will enter a period of dormancy, with foliage dying back with the onset of colder temperatures. During winter, the plant remains dormant until the cycle begins anew with the following spring's warmth.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer to Autumn
- Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Tall Bearded Iris 'Early Light' is through division, which is generally done in late summer after the bloom season has finished. This typically involves carefully digging up the iris clumps and using a sharp knife to separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizomal root. The cuts should be clean to minimize damage and the risk of disease. After division, the rhizomes are usually trimmed down to around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length to promote health and reduce the chance of rot. The divided rhizomes are then replanted in well-draining soil, with the top of the rhizome exposed to the sunlight, and spaced 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) apart to allow for adequate growth and airflow. This method of propagation maintains the genetic integrity of the cultivar, ensuring that the new plants will be true to form.