Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'High Roller' (TB)
ABOUT
Iris 'High Roller' is a captivating flowering plant known for its dramatic blooms and striking presence in the garden. This Tall Bearded Iris exhibits a flamboyant display of petals that can be best described as an artist's canvas. The flowers are large and showy, making them a standout addition to any space they grace. Each blossom is composed of six lobes: three upright petals, also known as "standards," and three downward-curving petals called "falls." The standards of 'High Roller' boast a rich, deep purple hue that can appear almost velvety in texture. They rise gracefully above the falls, creating a majestic and proud appearance. In contrast, the falls are a symphony of color, characterized by a lighter purple shade that can have hints of a silvery overlay, giving them a shimmering appearance when caught by the light. There may be a noticeable gradation of color, with deeper purple tones at their centers, near the beard, and gradually lightening towards the edges. The striking beards, which are the fuzzy, caterpillar-like tufts that run down the middle of the falls, are typically a vivid orange or tangelo color in 'High Roller'. These bright beards add a fiery accent to the cooler purple tones of the petals, creating a visually stunning effect. The foliage of the Iris 'High Roller' consists of long, sword-shaped leaves that are a rich green color. These leaves grow in dense clumps and add an elegant, vertical dimension to the plant's overall shape. The leaves are stiff and upright, providing a lush, green backdrop for the spectacular flowers when they are in bloom. Overall, Iris 'High Roller' is a blossom of contrasts, with its deep and light purples set against vibrant oranges, and the soft-looking petals standing over the sturdy blades of foliage. Its blooms are synonymous with luxury and extravagance, reflecting the essence of its name, 'High Roller.' Despite the absence of specific size details, its grandeur and color palette make it a noteworthy and treasured specimen in gardens and floral arrangements alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, High Roller Iris
Common names
Iris 'High Roller' (TB).
ToxicityTo humans
The Tall Bearded Iris, which includes the cultivar 'High Roller', is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it's important to note that the rhizomes (underground stems) can cause irritation if ingested. Eating parts of this plant, particularly the rhizomes, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. You should avoid ingesting any parts of the Tall Bearded Iris, and handle the plant with care to prevent potential skin irritation from contact with its sap.
To pets
The Tall Bearded Iris, including the 'High Roller' variety, can be toxic to pets if consumed. Ingesting this plant, especially the rhizomes, can cause gastrointestinal irritation, which may result in drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. There is also a risk of more severe symptoms in pets such as lethargy and general weakness if a large amount is eaten. It is advisable to keep pets away from the Tall Bearded Iris to prevent accidental ingestion and potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3 feet [91 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Iris 'High Roller' offers striking blooms with vibrant colors that can enhance the aesthetics of any garden space.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these irises are quite drought-tolerant, making them suitable for gardens in regions with low rainfall.
- Easy to Grow: They are known for being easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions with minimal care.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, this iris comes back year after year, providing long-term garden interest without the need to replant annually.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and pollination processes.
- Seasonal Interest: They typically bloom in late spring, adding color and vibrancy to gardens after the early spring blooms have faded.
- Versatility in Landscaping: These irises can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, beds, and as focal points in gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The Iris 'High Roller' can serve as a stunning subject for photographers, showcasing the beauty of this flower in gardens or as part of artistic compositions.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may use the striking colors and patterns of this iris as inspiration for paintings, drawings, or textile designs.
- Fragrance Extraction: The scent of the Iris 'High Roller' can be used in the production of perfumes, offering a unique and appealing fragrance.
- Culinary Garnish: The petals of the Iris 'High Roller' can be used to elegantly garnish salads and desserts, providing an edible decoration.
- Floating Decorations: Petals or entire blooms can float in bowls of water as a decorative feature for events or as part of a relaxing spa experience.
- Dye Production: The vibrant colors of the Iris 'High Roller' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts.
- Eco-printing Material: Leaves and flowers can be used for eco-printing, a technique where plant materials are used to leave natural prints on paper or fabric.
- Insect Habitat: When planted in the garden, this iris can provide shelter and breeding grounds for beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and gardening practices.
- Theme Gardens: The Iris 'High Roller' can be included in themed garden displays, such as a 'high rollers' garden showcasing luxurious and grandiose plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Royalty: The Iris often symbolizes royalty due to its regal appearance and historical association with French monarchs, particularly the fleur-de-lis.
- Wisdom: In ancient Greece, the Iris was linked to the goddess Iris, who was a messenger on Mount Olympus and symbolized communication and messages. Hence, it is associated with wisdom.
- Hope: The Iris can symbolize hope as its vibrant bloom often shows up early in the season, signaling the start of new growth and renewal after winter.
- Trust: The graceful stature and the dependability of the Iris's yearly blooms can represent trust and reliability.
- Valor: Its strong, upright growth habit can be seen as a symbol of valor and courage.
- Purity: With its clean lines and bold colors, the Iris can also be a symbol of purity and innocence.
- Transition: Because the goddess Iris connected the heavens to the earth, the plant can signify transition, change, and the hope of new beginnings.
WaterThe Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as the 'High Roller', prefers to be watered deeply and infrequently rather than receiving frequent, shallow waterings. The soil should be allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings, which typically equates to once a week during the growing season, but this may vary depending on climate and weather conditions. A good rule of thumb is to provide approximately one inch of water every week, which translates to about 0.623 gallons per square yard of soil. Avoid overhead watering to prevent issues with rot and ensure that the planting area has good drainage. During the dormant season, reduce watering as the plant's water needs decrease significantly.
LightTall Bearded Irises such as 'High Roller' thrive best in full sun conditions, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate partial shade but blooms may be less prolific. The ideal spot for planting this iris is a location that is well-exposed to sunlight from morning to afternoon, ensuring ample light for bud formation and vibrant blooms.
Temperature'High Roller' Tall Bearded Irises grow well in a wide range of temperatures but prefer warmer conditions. They are hardy and can survive winter lows down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, while the maximum temperature should be within the range that typical garden environments provide. The ideal temperature for promoting healthy growth and flowering in Tall Bearded Irises is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune 'High Roller' Tall Bearded Irises by removing spent flower stems down to the base after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and redirect energy. Also, trim away any damaged or diseased leaves throughout the growing season. The best time for a more extensive pruning is in late summer or early fall when you can cut back the green foliage to about six inches to prepare the plant for winter and to discourage pests.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall Bearded Irises like Iris 'High Roller' thrive in well-draining soil that's slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.1 to 7.0). The ideal soil mix for this Iris would be a blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. A top dressing of bone meal can provide the necessary phosphorus for healthy blooms.
RepottingTall Bearded Irises such as Iris 'High Roller' generally do not need frequent repotting. They should be divided and transplanted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plants for more vigorous growth and blooming.
Humidity & MistingIris 'High Roller' prefers average humidity levels. Since Tall Bearded Irises are hardy, outdoor plants, they are well-adapted to the natural humidity levels found in their growing zones and do not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun exposure and well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, space rhizomes 12-24 inches.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Iris 'High Roller' (Tall Bearded Iris) starts with seed germination, which occurs when environmental conditions are favorable, typically in spring or fall. The seeds develop into young plants that produce leaves and establish a root system over their first growing season. As a perennial, the Tall Bearded Iris then enters a phase of vegetative growth, where it accumulates resources and increases in size annually, storing energy in underground rhizomes. After one to several years, depending on conditions and care, the plant reaches maturity and begins its reproductive phase, characterized by the blooming of its distinctive, large flowers, typically in late spring to early summer. Once pollinated, possibly by insects or wind, the flowers will produce seeds before dying back, while the rhizomes may give rise to new shoots, continuing the growth cycle. The plant enters a period of dormancy in late fall to late winter, during which the foliage dies back and the rhizomes rest before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Iris 'High Roller', commonly known as the Tall Bearded Iris, is through division. This process is best done in late summer after the flowering has completed and the plant has gone dormant. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of iris out of the ground using a spade, ensuring that you do not damage the rhizomes, which are the horizontal stems of the plant. Once the clump is lifted, use a sharp knife or garden shears to separate the rhizomes, making sure each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots attached. Trim the leaves to about 6 inches (15 centimeters) to balance with the reduced root system. Replant the rhizome sections in well-draining soil, placing them with the top of the rhizome slightly exposed to the air. This will allow for adequate sun exposure and discourage rot, setting the stage for new growth.
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