Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Iced Tea' (TB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Iced Tea' is a type of Bearded Iris known for its distinctive and captivating flowers. The blooms are a blend of warm hues, reminiscent of a refreshing glass of iced tea. Typically, the petals exhibit a gradation of colors ranging from golden yellow to bronze, and sometimes they may even have a slight glimmer as if kissed by the sun. Each flower is composed of three upright petals known as "standards" and three downward-curving petals called "falls", which is a characteristic design of the Bearded Iris. The falls often have a plush, beard-like crest along their midline, which may be of a contrasting color, adding to the flower's charm and texture. The foliage of the Iris 'Iced Tea' consists of long, slender, sword-shaped leaves that are bright green, growing vertically upwards and providing a contrasting backdrop to the spectacular blooms. When the plant is in bloom, it becomes a point of interest in any garden with its striking colors and elegant floral arrangement. The appearance of both the foliage and flowers makes it a popular choice for gardeners wanting to introduce a warm, inviting palette into their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Bearded Iris, German Iris
Common names
Iris 'Iced Tea' (TB)
ToxicityTo humans
The Iris 'Iced Tea' (commonly known just as Iris) is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, irises do contain compounds that can cause irritation. If ingested, it might lead to mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In handling the Iris, especially when gardening or arranging cut flowers, some individuals may experience skin irritation due to the presence of irritating substances in the plant sap.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, the Iris 'Iced Tea' (commonly known as Iris) contains certain compounds that can be toxic to pets if ingested, though it is generally not considered highly poisonous. Symptoms of Iris poisoning in pets can include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. In severe cases, it may lead to excessive salivation, lethargy, or abdominal pain. As with any suspected ingestion, pet owners should contact a veterinarian if they observe these symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Iris 'Iced Tea' adds visual interest to gardens due to its unique bronze and yellow flowers.
- Landscape Diversity: This variety can be used for mixed borders, thematic gardens, or as a focal point due to its striking blooms.
- Easy to Grow: Irises are generally low maintenance and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Iris 'Iced Tea' is reasonably drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Seasonal Interest: It typically blooms in late spring to early summer, providing color when many other plants are finishing their bloom cycles.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers can attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects, such as bees, which are important for pollination.
- Cold Hardy: Iris 'Iced Tea' can survive in cold climates, which makes it a good choice for northern gardeners.
- Propagation: It can be easily propagated by dividing rhizomes, making it a cost-effective plant for garden expansion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Traditional Dyes: The roots of the Iris can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering shades of yellow, brown, or green depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: Some photographers use the striking blooms of the Iris in floral photography due to its unique color and structure.
- Eco-friendly Ink: The pigments extracted from Iris petals could potentially be used to make eco-friendly inks for art and printing purposes.
- Culinary Decoration: Petals of the Iris can be crystallized with sugar and used as elegant decorations for cakes and desserts.
- Fragrance Making: While typically not from 'Iced Tea', some Iris species are used in the perfume industry for their rich scents, particularly the rhizomes.
- Water Purification: Irises are sometimes planted around ponds and water features where their roots help filter and clean the water.
- Biodegradable Packing Material: Dried Iris leaves and stems, being fibrous, can be utilized as a sustainable option for packing materials.
- Paper Making: The fibrous content of Iris leaves can be incorporated into the paper-making process to create textured, handmade papers.
- Fish Ponds: Iris plants are often used in fish pond landscapes as they provide shelter for fish and help to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
- Botanical Illustration: Irises are a popular subject in the world of botanical illustration, both for their beauty and complexity, lending themselves to detailed artistic study.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope – The Iris often symbolizes hope, inspired by its vibrant bloom that signals the beginning of spring.
- Wisdom – In some historical contexts, the Iris is associated with wisdom and cherished for its elegant appearance.
- Purity – The Iris can represent purity, with the clear color of 'Iced Tea' variant suggesting a pristine and untouched beauty.
- Courage – As a symbol of courage, the Iris reflects bravery and the valor to face challenges ahead.
- Faith – Representing faith, the Iris can signify belief and trust in deeper spiritual values or intuitions.
- Royalty – The stately form and history of the Iris have made it a symbol of royalty and regal bearing.
- Messages – In the Victorian language of flowers, the Iris was used to convey different messages based on its color, including 'Iced Tea' for delivering sophisticated sentiments.
WaterThe Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as Iris 'Iced Tea', should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, with about one inch of water per week, especially during the growing season. In hot and dry conditions, you may need to water twice a week, whereas in cooler climates or during rainy seasons, you can reduce watering. Always allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings, as Iris plants do not like to remain in soggy soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to water only when necessary. The use of a soaker hose or drip irrigation can be very effective for this plant, providing moisture directly to the roots and preventing water from sitting on the foliage, which can cause issues.
LightTall Bearded Iris requires full sun to thrive, with at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Planting your Iris 'Iced Tea' in a spot that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade can help protect it from the intense heat of late daylight. However, too much shade can result in fewer blooms and an increased risk of disease, so ensure it's a well-lit location.
TemperatureTall Bearded Iris 'Iced Tea' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they perform best in climates where daytime temperatures are between 68°F and 85°F. They are hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 90°F, but prolonged exposure to extremes can be detrimental. Ideal growing conditions will avoid the prolonged exposure to the extremes of its temperature range.
PruningPruning Tall Bearded Iris, or Iris 'Iced Tea', involves removing spent blooms and cutting back the flower stalks to the base after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent seed production, which can sap energy from the plant. Additionally, in late summer or early fall, trim the foliage into a fan shape to encourage good air circulation and prepare the plant for winter. Pruning should be done annually, or as needed, to keep the plant healthy and promote next season's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall Bearded Iris 'Iced Tea' thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7. A mix of loamy soil with compost and a small amount of coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage is ideal for this plant.
RepottingThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Iced Tea' typically doesn't need frequent repotting. It should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant.
Humidity & MistingThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Iced Tea' prefers average humidity levels. While it is adaptable, it doesn't require high humidity and will thrive in the humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, adequate ventilation, and dry ambiance for indoor Tall Bearded Iris.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, well-drained soil, divided every few years.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleIris 'Iced Tea' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life as a seed, which when planted and under the right conditions, will sprout and develop a root system and foliage. The young plant matures and forms a rhizome, which is a horizontal stem that grows underground and stores energy. After a period of growth, the rhizome produces fans of leaves and the plant enters a vegetative stage where it grows in size and strength. Once mature enough, usually in late spring to early summer, Tall Bearded Iris sends up tall flower stalks that bear the distinct large, showy flowers which can range from pale yellow to deep brown. After blooming, the plant will set seed if the flowers are pollinated, and the cycle can begin anew with these seeds. Throughout the plant's life, the rhizome may be divided and replanted to propagate new plants, which is a common method of increasing stock aside from seed reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
The most popular method of propagating Iris 'Iced Tea', a Tall Bearded (TB) iris, is by division. This process is typically done in late summer after flowering, when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the iris clump and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each section has a fan of leaves and healthy roots. Trim the leaves to about one third of their height, which is usually around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), to reduce water loss and make planting easier. Replant the divisions at least 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart at the same soil depth as before, allowing the top of the rhizome to be slightly exposed to the air. This allows the iris to establish itself in the new location, promotes good health, and prevents rot. Water the newly planted divisions well to help them settle into the soil.
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