Bearded Iris Iris 'Janine Louise' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Janine Louise' is characterized by its captivating beauty and distinctly shaped flowers which contribute to its popularity among garden enthusiasts. This plant boasts a display of elegant blooms that are typically found in a mesmerizing combination of hues. The flowers exhibit a complex pattern of multicolored petals, with each blossom featuring three dropping petals called falls, and three upright petals known as standards. The falls and standards may possess varied shades, sometimes with contrasting colors or intricate veining that draw the eye. The petals can display a range of textures and may have ruffled or fringed edges, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant. Commonly, the flowers exude a lovely fragrance that can be a delightful addition to any garden space. These blooms emerge from sturdy stems which rise above a clump of long, strap-like leaves. The foliage is typically a rich green and may have a sword-like appearance, creating an attractive backdrop for the flowers. Iris 'Janine Louise' emanates a charm that can draw attention whether planted in groups or as a singular focal point in a garden setting. The plant's striking flowers and vibrant colors can be a highlight of the late spring to early summer landscape, bringing life and color to gardens. It is also known for its resilience and ability to flourish under the right growing conditions, without specifying details on size measurements.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Janine Louise' (TB).
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Tall Bearded Iris, including the variety 'Janine Louise', is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like other members of the Iris genus, they can cause irritation if ingested or if their sap comes into contact with the skin. Ingesting parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, may result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the plant without gloves could cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the Iris and to wash hands after handling the plant.
- To pets
  The Tall Bearded Iris, including the variety 'Janine Louise', can be toxic to pets if ingested. This plant contains compounds known as iridals, which are most concentrated in the rhizomes (the underground stems). If a pet ingests part of the Iris, particularly the rhizomes, it may experience symptoms of poisoning such as gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, ingestion can lead to more severe symptoms, although this is rare. It is important to prevent pets from eating any part of the plant and to seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  3 feet 36 inches [91 cm]
- Spread
  1 feet 12 inches [30 cm]
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: The Iris 'Janine Louise' adds visual interest to gardens with its striking purple flowers and distinctive fallen petals known as "falls."
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this variety of bearded iris is quite drought tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: The plant requires minimal care aside from occasional division every few years to maintain vigor and flower production.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its colorful blooms attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollinating nearby plants.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides a burst of spring color, often flowering in late spring to early summer.
- Soil Versatility: Bearded iris plants can thrive in a range of soil types, although they prefer well-draining soil.
- Propagating Ease: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to spread the beauty to other parts of their garden or to share with fellow garden enthusiasts.
- Longevity: With proper care, these plants can live and bloom in a garden for many years.
- Winter Hardiness: The plant is capable of withstanding cold winter temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in temperate zones.
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 tall bearded iris can be used in dye production, where the flowers, particularly the dark or brightly colored ones, may provide natural dyes for textiles.
- Iris rhizomes, known as orris root, can be used in perfumery as a fixative, enhancing the longevity of the fragrance on the skin.
- Dried iris petals may be included in potpourri mixes to add color and a faint fragrance to the mix.
- Bearded iris, due to its striking appearance, can also be used as a model in botanical art and illustration classes.
- Iris flowers can be utilized in the crafting of eco-friendly confetti or natural wedding decorations.
- The tough leaves of the tall bearded iris can be used in basket weaving or for making other traditional crafts, where they may act as a binding material.
- In photography, the intricate details and bold colors of the bearded iris flower are often used to practice macro photography skills.
- The flowers are sometimes used in culinary settings as decorative elements for plating, adding an elegant touch to gourmet dishes.
- During historical periods, the dried rhizomes of irises were used in powdered form to add scent to linens or clothing.
- Iris 'Janine Louise' can be incorporated into floral waters or natural spritzes for a mild scent, though this is not as common as other uses.

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 and has long been a symbol in religious contexts, reflecting hope and trust.
- Wisdom: Its association with the Greek goddess Iris, who was the messenger of the gods and a link between heaven and earth, also implies wisdom and communication.
- Valour: The iris often symbolizes courage and admiration, possibly because of its bold colors and commanding presence.
- Hope: The iris blooms in the spring, making it a symbol of new beginnings and hope, echoing the sense of rejuvenation after the winter months.
- Royalty: With its regal appearance, the iris sometimes represents royalty and majesty, embodying the noble qualities associated with rulers.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-5 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer-Early Fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Janine Louise' should be watered deeply but infrequently. Initially after planting, water the plant to help establish roots, providing about an inch of water per week. Once established, water only when the top few inches of soil are dry, approximately every two weeks, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Provide the Iris with about one to two gallons of water each time you irrigate to ensure proper moisture penetration to the roots.
Light
Tall Bearded Irises such as 'Janine Louise' thrive best in full sun. The ideal location is where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid shady areas as too little light can reduce blooming and can make the plant more susceptible to disease.
Temperature
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Janine Louise' prefer temperate climates and can survive in a temperature range from approximately 14°F to 86°F. They flourish in temperatures between 68°F and 86°F. Extended periods below the minimum temperature or above the maximum can damage or stress the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Tall Bearded Irises like 'Janine Louise' involves removing spent flower stalks to maintain the plant's appearance and health. Additionally, after blooming has finished, prune the foliage by cutting it back to about 6 inches above ground if it becomes brown or damaged. This should be done once a year, ideally in the fall, to encourage new growth in the spring.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Tall Bearded Iris 'Janine Louise' thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH 6.8 to 7.0. A soil mix consisting of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand in equal parts works well, ensuring good drainage and fertility.
Repotting
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Janine Louise' typically does not require frequent repotting. Dividing and replanting is suggested every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and promote vigorous growth.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Janine Louise' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but performs best in conditions that mimic its natural outdoor environment, which is not excessively humid.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in a sunny spot, minimal watering.
- Outdoor
  Sunny location, well-drained soil, divide every 3-5 years.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Janine Louise', commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in soil and germinate, often starting in a cold period to break dormancy. The seedlings grow and develop into rhizomatous plants, forming roots and foliage that die back with the onset of winter, marking the vegetative stage. As temperatures warm in the spring, new growth emerges, and the plant enters its reproductive stage, producing tall stalks with showy flowers, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. After pollination, which can be facilitated by insects, the flowers fade, and seed pods may develop, which dry and eventually release seeds, thus completing the cycle. Additionally, the plant can spread vegetatively through the division of rhizomes, allowing for clonal propagation and ensuring the longevity of the plant beyond just seed production. Each year the cycle repeats, with the rhizome growing larger and potentially needing division every 3-5 years to maintain plant vigor and flower production.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer-Early Fall
- The most popular method of propagating the Tall Bearded Iris 'Janine Louise' is by dividing its rhizomes. The best time to propagate by division is late summer to early fall, after the blooming season has ended and the plants are dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the iris clumps and wash the soil off the rhizomes to clearly see the individual sections. Each piece must have at least one fan of leaves and a section of the rhizome. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height, which is roughly 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm), to reduce water loss and make handling easier. Section the rhizome with a sharp knife, ensuring that each division has a healthy piece of the rhizome and a fan of leaves. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) apart, and water well to establish.