Bearded Iris Iris 'Gypsy Romance' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
iris 'Gypsy Romance'

ABOUT

Iris 'Gypsy Romance' is a captivating variety that showcases a mesmerizing display of flowers characteristic of the tall bearded iris group it belongs to. The blooms of 'Gypsy Romance' are large and flamboyant with a rich and velvety texture. The petals are comprised of standards and falls, which are different parts of the iris flower. The standards are the upright petals, and in this variety, they present in a warm apricot or peach hue, contributing to the romantic appearance of the flower. Contrasting with the standards, the falls are the downward curving petals which feature a deep magenta or burgundy tone with a plush, luxurious look. Adding to their striking appearance, the flowers exhibit a distinct beard on each of the falls. The beards are fuzzy, soft extensions that emerge from the center of the falls and come in a harmonious golden yellow to orange color that complements the warm tones of the petals. The foliage of 'Gypsy Romance' consists of long, sword-shaped leaves that are bright green, creating an elegant and upright backdrop to the spectacular blooms. These leaves emerge from the base of the plant and are usually arranged in a fan-like formation. The overall appearance of Iris 'Gypsy Romance' is that of a classic iris, with its eye-catching flowers and attractive foliage, making it a standout selection for any garden that takes pride in its displays of perennial beauty.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae

    • Synonyms

      Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris

    • Common names

      Iris 'Gypsy Romance' (TB).

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Tall Bearded Iris, including the 'Gypsy Romance' variety, are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they do contain compounds that can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingesting large quantities might lead to more serious gastrointestinal discomfort. It is advisable to handle these plants with care and wash hands after touching them, as the sap can sometimes cause skin irritation.

    • To pets

      Tall Bearded Iris, including the 'Gypsy Romance' variety, can be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes (underground stems) contain irisin, iridin, or irisine – substances that can induce gastrointestinal upset in animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a Tall Bearded Iris plant, it is important to contact a veterinarian.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Mixed

    • Height

      2-3 feet [60-90 cm]

    • Spread

      1-2 feet [30-60 cm]

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      3-9

    • Native area

      Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Appeal: The Iris 'Gypsy Romance', also known as Tall Bearded Iris, features vibrant colors and striking patterns that enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
    • Drought Tolerance: Tall Bearded Irises are known for their ability to withstand dry conditions once established, making them suitable for water-conservative gardening.
    • Low Maintenance: This iris variety generally requires minimal upkeep in terms of watering, fertilizing, and pruning, especially after the first growing season.
    • Attracts Pollinators: The colorful blooms of Tall Bearded Iris attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
    • Seasonal Interest: Tall Bearded Iris typically flowers in late spring, providing a seasonal focal point when many other plants are not yet in bloom.
    • Hardy Perennial: As a perennial, the Tall Bearded Iris will return year after year without needing to be replanted, enduring through various climates and conditions.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Iris petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering hues ranging from blues to purples depending on the mordant used.
    • The sturdy, long leaves of the Iris can be woven into baskets or mats, taking advantage of their fibrous nature.
    • Fresh or dried Iris petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a subtle fragrance and bursts of color.
    • Iris 'Gypsy Romance' can be used in floral art, such as the Japanese Ikebana, for its striking appearance and structure.
    • These flowers can be crystallized with sugar and used as elegant edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
    • The blooms can be pressed and included in handmade paper to create textured and visually appealing stationery.
    • Iris flowers can be submerged in water to create decorative floating arrangements for events or home décor.
    • The fibrous leaves can be used as a natural string or twine in the garden to support other plants.
    • Iris flowers can be used as a natural colorant for crafting eco-friendly candles, giving them a delicate hue.
    • The seeds of the Iris, once dried, can be used in rattles or as a filling for percussive musical instruments.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Iris is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Hope: The iris often symbolizes hope, conveying a sense of anticipation and belief in a positive outcome.
    • Trust: With its stable and sturdy appearance, the iris can represent trust and a sense of dependability.
    • Wisdom: The iris is associated with wisdom, likely due to its namesake the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger for the gods and would use her wisdom to resolve problems.
    • Valor: Historically, the iris has been a symbol of valor and bravery, often associated with royalty and knightly virtues.
    • Purity: The delicate and pure appearance of the iris flower can represent innocence and purity, much like many other white or light-colored flowers.
    • Royalty: The iris is often considered a regal flower, with its majestic stature and intricate petals, symbolizing royalty and lofty ideals.
    • Faith: Due to its upward growth and heavenward blooms, the iris may symbolize faith, representing a connection with the spiritual world.

💧
Every 7-10 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 3-5 years
Repotting
🌱️
Late Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    For Tall Bearded Irises such as 'Gypsy Romance', it's important to provide consistent moisture during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Water the plant deeply to encourage deep rooting, about one inch per week. However, be careful not to overwater as Tall Bearded Irises do not like standing water and it can lead to root rot. During the summer, especially in hotter regions, you may need to increase watering to maintain soil moisture. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases.

  • sunLight

    Tall Bearded Irises, including 'Gypsy Romance', thrive best in full sun. They require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom well. However, in extremely hot climates, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the blooms and foliage from excessive heat stress. Ideal planting spots are open areas with clear exposure to sunlight for the majority of the day.

  • thermometerTemperature

    'Gypsy Romance' Tall Bearded Iris is resilient in a range of temperatures but prefers a temperate climate. It can survive winter lows down to about -20°F and is hardy up to USDA zone 3. During the growing season, the ideal temperature range for this Iris is between 55°F and 75°F. Extreme heat above 90°F may be detrimental to the plant, especially if it is coupled with humidity.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning Tall Bearded Irises like 'Gypsy Romance' involves removing spent blooms after flowering to improve plant appearance and prevent seed formation. Additionally, trim back the foliage to a 6-inch fan shape in late fall to tidy up the plant and reduce the risk of disease. Pruning is typically done once annually, but diseased or damaged leaves should be trimmed away as needed throughout the growing season.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The Tall Bearded Iris 'Gypsy Romance' thrives in well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter. Ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.1 to 7.0. A mix of loam, compost, and coarse sand is beneficial for its growth.

  • plantRepotting

    Tall Bearded Irises like 'Gypsy Romance' do not require frequent repotting. They should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Tall Bearded Iris 'Gypsy Romance' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to flourish. It prefers outdoor conditions where natural humidity is sufficient.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Provide bright light, good airflow, and pot in well-draining soil.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space rhizomes apart.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The life cycle of the Tall Bearded Iris 'Gypsy Romance' begins with seed germination, typically after a period of stratification where seeds must be exposed to cold temperatures to break dormancy. Following germination, growth progresses to the seedling stage, where the plant establishes its root system and foliage begins to develop. As the iris matures, it enters the vegetative stage, during which the plant focuses on leaf growth and the buildup of resources in its rhizomes. It then reaches the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, characterized by the blooming of its distinct, large, and colorful flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle, while the rhizomes may also produce offsets, contributing to asexual reproduction. The iris then goes into a period of dormancy, typically in the late fall or winter, where above-ground foliage dies back, and the plant rests until the next growing season.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Late Summer

    • The most popular way to propagate the Iris 'Gypsy Romance', commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, is through division. This is best done late in the summer after the flowering has finished, commonly around July to September. To propagate, carefully dig up the Iris clumps and gently shake or wash off the soil. Using a sharp knife, you'll want to divide the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a section of roots. Cut the leaves back to about one third of their original height, or about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), to reduce water loss. Replant the divisions 12 to 24 inches apart (30-60 cm) in well-draining soil, with the rhizome partially exposed to the sun. This promotes better flowering and reduces the risk of rot.

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