Intermediate Bearded Iris Iris 'Eleanor Clare' (IB)

Water

For intermediate bearded iris or 'Eleanor Clare', water deeply to encourage root growth during its initial planting and growing period. Ensure the soil is well-draining and water approximately every two weeks, giving about a gallon per iris plant. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to once a week. Reduce watering after blooming has finished and during the fall to allow the plants to harden off for winter. Avoid overhead watering, as this can promote disease, so water at the base of the plants instead.

Light

Intermediate bearded iris, including 'Eleanor Clare', thrives best in full sun, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting in a spot that offers bright morning light and some afternoon shade in hotter climates can protect the blooms from fading. Avoid placing them in areas with heavy shade as this can impede their flowering and overall vigor.

Temperature

The intermediate bearded iris 'Eleanor Clare' is a hardy plant that can survive in a temperature range from 10 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, however, it prefers the temperature to be between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. These irises require a period of winter chilling, at least 6 weeks at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, to bloom successfully.

Pruning

Prune intermediate bearded iris 'Eleanor Clare' to remove any dead or damaged foliage and spent flower stalks, which encourages new growth and maintains plant health. This should be done immediately after flowering is finished and again in late summer or early fall. After the first hard frost, cut back the foliage to a few inches above the ground to prepare the iris for winter and remove hiding places for pests.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for the Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Eleanor Clare' should be well-draining, fertile, and neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.8-7.0. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite can provide the right structure and nutrient levels for healthy growth.

Repotting

Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Eleanor Clare' generally does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. It's best to divide and repot these irises every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Eleanor Clare' are quite adaptable but prefer a moderate humidity level, though they are tolerant of varying conditions as long as proper soil drainage is maintained and the rhizomes are not sitting in water.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, avoid waterlogged soil.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, moderate water.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Iris 'Eleanor Clare', commonly known as Intermediate Bearded Iris, begins with seed germination, provided the seeds have undergone a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, the seedling growth stage involves the emergence of tender shoots and roots, gradually developing into a young iris plant. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, where it establishes a robust root system and foliage through photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. The reproductive stage comes next, with the Iris 'Eleanor Clare' producing distinctive showy flowers usually in late spring to early summer, after which pollination by insects can occur. If pollination is successful, the flowers will produce seed pods, completing the reproductive cycle. Lastly, the plant enters a period of dormancy in late fall to winter, allowing it to conserve energy and survive unfavorable conditions before re-entering the growth stage in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to early fall

• Iris 'Eleanor Clare', commonly known as Intermediate Bearded Iris, is generally propagated through division, which is best done in the late summer after blooming has finished or in the early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the iris clump and rinse off the dirt. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of healthy roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height to reduce water loss and replant the divided rhizomes immediately. Space them around 12 to 24 inches apart (about 30 to 60 cm) to give them room to grow, and plant them so the top of the rhizome is slightly exposed to the sun. This method simplifies crowded beds, rejuvenates older plants, and provides a means to share and spread this variety.