Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' (BB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' displays a stunning visual charm that is typical of the group known commonly as bearded irises. As its name suggests, the standout feature of this plant is the showy, ornate flowers. Each flower exhibits extensive petals with dramatic color contrasts. The outer segments, or falls, often possess a velvety texture and can be adorned with frilly edges, contributing to an appearance of elegance and depth. These falls gracefully bow downwards. In contrast, the inner segments, or standards, reach upwards and are more rigid, narrowing as they ascend. The blooms are characterized by a unique beard-like feature, which is a dense row of short hairs along the center of the falls, adding an additional touch of interest. The color palette of Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' can vary, presenting hues that range from deep, rich tones to lighter, more delicate shades. The leaves of the plant are sword-shaped, with a robust and upright posture, creating a striking architectural effect. These green blades are typically arranged in dense clumps, emanating from a sturdy base and providing a lush backdrop for the spectacular flowers. After the blooming period, the seedpods that form can also be quite decorative, extending the visual interest of the Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' well past its flowering season. Overall, the plant is admired for its ornamental flowers that radiate a classic yet bold aesthetic in any garden setting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' (BB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Bearded Iris, including the 'Gwyneth Evans' cultivar, is considered mildly toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the rhizomes (the underground stems), may result in digestive discomfort and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the plant may sometimes cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and avoid consuming any part of the Bearded Iris plant.
- To pets
  The Bearded Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' is also mildly toxic to pets. If a pet consumes parts of the Bearded Iris, symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset, evidenced by drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. As pets might not be able to communicate discomfort effectively, it is important to monitor them and consult a veterinarian if you suspect they have ingested any part of the plant. Additionally, keeping the plant out of reach of pets is advisable.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  2 feet 4 inches (71 centimeters)
- Spread
  1 foot 8 inches (51 centimeters)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Enhances Garden Beauty: The Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' adds visual appeal with its large, showy flowers, which have a classic shape and striking white color.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Suitable for Cut Flowers: The elegant blooms make excellent cut flowers, providing material for indoor floral arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of iris is known for being low-maintenance and easy to cultivate in a range of garden conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, minimizing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: It flowers in late spring to early summer, adding seasonal interest when many other plants are not in peak bloom.
- Hardiness: As a hardy perennial, it can survive through cold winters in appropriate growing zones.
- Versatile Landscaping: Suitable for borders, beds, and containers, offering versatility in garden design and space utilization.
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 Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' can be used in fabric dyeing processes, where the petals can provide a natural source of dye for textile arts.
- In floral photography, the striking coloration of this Iris can be used to create visually appealing compositions for both amateur and professional photographers.
- This plant can be incorporated into educational gardens or botanical displays to educate visitors about plant breeding and hybridization techniques.
- Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' can be used as a natural pest repellent in gardens, as some Iris species are known to deter certain insects and rodents.
- The sturdy stems and attractive blooms make it a suitable candidate for crafting and art projects, such as making homemade paper or pressed flower designs.
- In culinary arts, although not commonly used, petals of some edible Iris species can sometimes be candied or used as a decorative element in upscale cuisine.
- For event decoration, particularly weddings and banquets, the elegant flowers of the Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' can be utilized in table arrangements or venue adornments.
- In perfumery, while not one of the primary sources, Iris flowers can occasionally contribute to the bouquet of floral scents in a handcrafted perfume.
- Due to its dramatic presence, the Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' can be used as a focal point in meditation gardens to provide a sense of tranquility and focus.
- The variety can be depicted in tattoo art, where its form and color can symbolize wisdom, hope, or faith, as the Iris has various cultural significances.

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
- Faith: The iris is often associated with faith, representing hope and trust in various cultures.
- Wisdom: Traditionally, the iris symbolizes wisdom and is thought to convey a message of intelligence and knowledge.
- Valor: Due to its upright petals, the iris can represent courage and admiration for its perceived ability to stand tall and proud.
- Purity: The delicate and pristine appearance of the iris often makes it a symbol of purity and innocence.
- Royalty: The iris, particularly known for its deep purple color, is frequently associated with royalty and grandeur, reflecting an air of nobility and stature.
- Messages: In the language of flowers, the iris is known to carry messages, and its varied hues can signify different emotions and sentiments.
- Transition: As a harbinger of spring, the iris can symbolize transition and renewal, highlighting moments of change and new beginnings.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Tall Bearded Iris prefers consistent moisture, particularly during the active growth in spring and early summer. Water deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to every 3-5 days. Ensure the soil around the iris has good drainage as they do not tolerate standing water. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to apply water directly to the soil to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. A total of approximately 0.5 to 1 gallon of water per week is sufficient for each plant, depending on weather conditions.
Light
Tall Bearded Iris thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for these irises is in an area where they can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. They can tolerate partial shade, particularly in the hottest part of the day, but bloom best in full sun. Avoid planting in dense shade as this will reduce flowering and can contribute to disease.
Temperature
The Tall Bearded Iris can endure a wide range of temperatures but performs best with daytime temperatures between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are cold hardy and can usually survive winter lows down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but they must be protected from severe winter wetness. Plant them in a location where the temperature doesn’t stay consistently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as extreme heat can impact the plant negatively.
Pruning
Prune Tall Bearded Iris by removing spent flower stems down to the base after blooming to encourage healthy growth and prevent seeding. During late summer or early fall, trim the foliage into a fan shape about 6 inches high to prepare the plant for winter and encourage good air circulation. Divide and cut back the irises every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding, which can reduce blooming.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Bearded Iris 'Gwyneth Evans' requires well-draining soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil enriched with compost is ideal for optimal growth and flower production. Regularly adding organic matter will help maintain soil fertility.
Repotting
Bearded Irises, including 'Gwyneth Evans', usually do not require frequent repotting. It is best to divide and replant them every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate growth.
Humidity & Misting
Bearded Irises like 'Gwyneth Evans' prefer low to average humidity levels. They thrive in outdoor conditions where the natural air movement prevents excessive moisture, which can lead to rot.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Bearded Iris in a sunny spot. Ensure pot has good drainage.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil; ensure full sun exposure.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Gwyneth Evans', known commonly as Bearded Iris, begins its life as a rhizome planted just below the surface of well-draining soil. In spring, new shoots sprout from the rhizome, developing into sword-like leaves and sturdy stems that will bear the plant's characteristic large, ruffled flowers. After blossoming, usually from late spring to early summer, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, which is crucial for the next cycle's growth. Post-bloom, seed pods may form and, if not removed, will disperse seeds that can germinate to produce new plants. As the growing season ends, the foliage may die back, leaving the rhizomes dormant through the winter. In subsequent years, the rhizomes multiply, leading to natural increase and spreading of the plant, requiring periodic division to maintain vigor and flowering.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method for propagating Iris 'Gwyneth Evans', a type of Bearded Iris, is by division. This process is typically done in late summer after the blooming period, when the plant's growth has slowed down. To propagate the Bearded Iris by division, start by carefully digging up the clump of rhizomes and shaking off any excess soil. Using a sharp knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizome. Trim the leaves to about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) to reduce water loss and replant the sections about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 centimeters), covering the rhizome with a thin layer of soil. Water the newly planted rhizomes well to establish them in their new location.