Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Jane Phillips' (TB)

Water

Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as 'Jane Phillips,' should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, typically receiving about one inch of water per week. During the growing season, especially in the absence of rainfall, water the plant at least once a week. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to provide moisture directly to the roots and minimize wetting the foliage which can lead to disease. During periods of drought, increase watering to twice a week. After the Iris has finished blooming, reduce the frequency of watering to help prepare the plant for dormancy. Always adjust watering based on soil conditions and climate; well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot.

Light

Tall Bearded Iris thrives in full sunlight, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sun each day. They perform best in a location that receives full sun throughout the day, which ensures vigorous growth and abundant blooms. Avoid planting in areas with filtered light or heavy shade as this can lead to poor blooming and weak foliage.

Temperature

Ideal temperature conditions for Tall Bearded Iris range from 70°F to 85°F during the growing season. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around -20°F in winter, but should be sheltered from harsh winter winds. Tall Bearded Iris prefer a cooler period at night, as a difference between day and night temperatures can promote better blooming. In hotter climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent overheating.

Pruning

Prune Tall Bearded Iris by removing spent blooms to promote a tidy appearance and to potentially encourage reblooming. After flowering, cut the flower stalks down to the base to prevent seed formation, which can divert energy from the plant. In late summer or autumn, trim away any dead or damaged leaves, and in early spring, tidy up the plant by removing old foliage before growth begins. The best time for more extensive pruning is after blooming or in the fall when you can divide and trim the rhizomes if needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tall Bearded Iris 'Jane Phillips' grows best in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7.0, so a mix with loamy soil enriched with compost is ideal.nants.

Repotting

Tall Bearded Irises, like Iris 'Jane Phillips', generally do not require frequent repotting. They can be divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Tall Bearded Iris 'Jane Phillips' prefers outdoor conditions and tolerates the average outdoor humidity well; they do not require high humidity environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, minimal watering, and good air flow for indoor Iris.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil, water sparingly.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Iris 'Jane Phillips' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life as a seed, which, when sown, will slowly germinate and develop into a seedling. The seedling establishes a root system and a small rosette of leaves during its first growing season, typically remaining rather unassuming in its infancy. As it matures, the plant develops thick rhizomes that grow horizontally, just below the soil surface; these rhizomes store nutrients that allow the plant to survive winter and regenerate in spring. In subsequent years, foliage increases with fan-shaped leaf growth that precedes flowering. Tall Bearded Iris typically blooms in late spring to early summer, producing towering stems that bear the large, iconic ruffled flowers in hues of light blue. After blooming, the plant enters a period of dormancy in the hotter summer months, conserving energy before restarting the cycle with new growth the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Summer-Early Fall

• Propogation: The Tall Bearded Iris 'Jane Phillips', a perennial favorite among gardeners for its stunning blue blooms, can be propagated by division, typically in late summer after the flowering has finished and the plant has gone dormant. The most popular method for propagating this iris involves carefully digging up the clump of rhizomes and washing or brushing off the soil to get a clear view of the plant's structure. Using a sharp knife, the rhizome can be cut into sections, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a healthy section of roots. The leaves should be trimmed to about a third of their length to reduce water loss, and the cut surfaces should be allowed to dry for a few hours to form a callus, which helps prevent rot. The divisions are then replanted in a well-draining soil, with the rhizome set just below the surface of the soil and the roots spread out beneath, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 centimeters), to allow for growth. Watering should be done carefully to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, encouraging the newly planted rhizomes to establish and grow into new plants.