Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Jurassic Park' (TB)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Jurassic Park' is a striking Tall Bearded Iris that features a magnificent display of large, bold flowers. The blooms are known for their unique color palette, typically showcasing a combination of golden yellow and deep brown or maroon. The petals are lush and layered with a ruffled texture that adds to their luxurious appearance. The flower consists of upright petals called standards and downward curving petals known as falls. The standards of the 'Jurassic Park' iris are often a rich, solid yellow color that can sometimes have a slightly lighter or darker shade towards the edges. In contrast, the falls are usually a deep burgundy or brown, embellished with a splash or brush of yellow near the center. The contrast between the two sets of petals creates a dramatic visual impact. The center of the flower, often referred to as the beard, is an elongated plush area that runs down the middle of the falls. This beard typically possesses a bright yellow or orange color that complements the flower's overall color scheme and adds to its exotic appearance. The foliage of the Iris 'Jurassic Park' consists of long, slender leaves that are sword-like in shape. These leaves are bright green and emerge from the base of the plant, forming a neat, vertical fan-like arrangement which provides an elegant backdrop to the eye-catching blooms. In general, the plant is known for its clumping habit, producing numerous flowers during its blooming season, which adds to the fullness and ornate display in the landscape. The 'Jurassic Park' iris, with its distinctive and exuberant flowers, is a popular choice for garden enthusiasts seeking to add a touch of drama and a tropical feel to their garden displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
Common names
Iris 'Jurassic Park' (TB)
ToxicityTo humans
The Tall Bearded Iris, specifically the 'Jurassic Park' cultivar, contains irisin, iridin, or irisine - which are substances with low toxicity. If ingested, these compounds can cause symptoms such as mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant, particularly the rhizomes, can sometimes result in skin irritation due to the presence of these compounds. It is generally advised to avoid ingesting any parts of the plant and to wear gloves when handling or dividing its rhizomes to prevent skin irritation. Serious cases of poisoning are rare, but consuming large quantities could potentially lead to more severe digestive distress.
To pets
The Tall Bearded Iris, including the 'Jurassic Park' cultivar, can be toxic to pets if ingested. The primary toxic components are compounds such as irisin, iridin, or irisine found predominantly in the rhizomes (roots). Signs of toxicity in pets may include gastrointestinal upset such as drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea. In most cases, the symptoms are mild to moderate, but consuming large amounts of the rhizomes could lead to more serious effects, including lethargy or more severe gastrointestinal issues. If a pet has consumed a large amount of the plant, it is advisable to seek veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Iris 'Jurassic Park' is known for its large, striking flowers with a unique blend of yellow and brown hues, adding visual interest to any garden.
- Landscape Versatility: This plant can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, cutting gardens, and water-wise areas.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, irises are relatively low maintenance, needing only occasional watering and dividing every few years.
- Seasonal Interest: They bloom in late spring to early summer, providing a colorful display when many other plants have not yet started or have already finished flowering.
- Drought Tolerance: Iris 'Jurassic Park' is tolerant of drought conditions, making it a good choice for drier climates or water-efficient gardening.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: The plant is rarely bothered by deer and rodents, reducing the need for protective measures.
- Cold Hardy: The Iris 'Jurassic Park' is cold-hardy, allowing it to thrive in cooler climates and survive freezing winter temperatures.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will return each year, providing long-term value to the garden without needing to replant annually.
- Cultural Significance: Irises, in general, have a rich history and are often associated with royalty and elegance, making them a conversation piece.
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: Iris 'Jurassic Park' is commonly used by photographers, both amateur and professional, for its striking coloration and large blooms that serve as a perfect subject for botanical photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the intricate patterns and hues of the Iris 'Jurassic Park' as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Natural Dyes: The petals of the Iris 'Jurassic Park' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, and paper, providing a range of purple and blue hues.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly eaten, the petals of Iris 'Jurassic Park' can be used as a decorative garnish for culinary dishes, adding an elegant touch to desserts and salads.
- Wedding Decor: With its dramatic appearance, the Iris 'Jurassic Park' is often used in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and decorations to create a sophisticated ambiance.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Iris 'Jurassic Park' can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Fragrance Extraction: Though not as common as other flowers, the subtle fragrance of Iris 'Jurassic Park' blooms can be used to infuse light perfumes or scented oils.
- Floral Arrangement Classes: The unique structure of the Iris 'Jurassic Park' makes it a popular choice for use in floral arrangement and design classes.
- Fantasy Gardens: Due to its name and dramatic appearance, the Iris 'Jurassic Park' is a favored plant for creating themed gardens that transport visitors to other worlds, such as prehistoric landscapes or fantasy realms.
- Watercolor Studies: The gradients and shades of Iris 'Jurassic Park' flowers make them a perfect subject for watercolor artists who are studying how to depict delicate transitions and soft color blending.
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 'Jurassic Park' is often associated with royalty due to its regal appearance and history of being featured in royal emblems, especially in French heraldry.
- Wisdom: In Greek mythology, Iris is the messenger of the gods and symbol of communication. This association makes the Iris 'Jurassic Park' plant a symbol of wisdom and valued messages.
- Hope: With its vigorous growth and beautiful blossoms, the iris commonly signifies hope, denoting expectation and believing in positive outcomes.
- Faith: Irises are also symbolic of faith, as they often bloom every spring without fail, representing the enduring nature of spiritual belief.
- Valor: The striking appearance of Iris 'Jurassic Park' can signify bravery and valor, symbolizing the courage to face the unknown, which aligns with the boldness of its name origin.
- Mythological Message: Due to its namesake, the Greek goddess Iris, this plant can embody the idea of messages from the heavens or between realms.
WaterThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Jurassic Park' requires moderate watering to ensure healthy growth. Generally, irises need to be watered deeply but infrequently once they are established. During the hot summer months, watering once a week with about a gallon of water per plant is sufficient. In cooler weather or during rainy seasons, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Overwatering or allowing the plants to sit in soggy soil can lead to root and rhizome rot, so proper drainage is essential. It’s best to water in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before the cooler evening temperatures.
LightTall Bearded Iris 'Jurassic Park' thrives in full sunlight. They perform best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting is an area that gets early sun, as morning light helps dry the dew on the leaves, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid overly shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming.
TemperatureTall Bearded Irises, including 'Jurassic Park', prefer a temperate climate and can survive in a temperature range from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. They are hardy and can withstand winter lows down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, though they should be protected from winter winds. The ideal temperature for promoting good growth and flowering for these irises is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the spring and fall.
PruningPruning Tall Bearded Iris 'Jurassic Park' usually involves trimming back the foliage and removing spent flower stalks after blooming is complete to maintain plant health and appearance. These irises should be pruned in late summer when they have finished flowering. Dead or damaged leaves should be cut back to the base to prevent disease, and this also encourages healthy air circulation. Periodic removal of old rhizomes is recommended every 3 to 4 years to prevent overcrowding and ensure vigorous growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall Bearded Iris 'Jurassic Park' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal to provide proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingTall Bearded Iris 'Jurassic Park' generally doesn't require frequent repotting and can be divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production.
Humidity & MistingTall Bearded Iris 'Jurassic Park' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefers normal outdoor conditions, avoiding excessively humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in a sunny spot, ensure good air circulation and drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny area, well-drained soil, space 18" apart.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleIris 'Jurassic Park' begins its life as a rhizome, which is an underground stem that can give rise to shoots and roots. This rhizome stage is crucial for the storage of energy and nutrients needed for growth. Upon sprouting, the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, establishing a strong root system and producing long, sword-like leaves. It then transitions into the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, where the striking blooms characteristic of the Tall Bearded Iris variety unfurl in shades of golden yellow and maroon. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds in a capsule, which can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. As autumn approaches, the plant's foliage dies back, and it enters a period of dormancy during the winter months to conserve energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Autumn
Propogation: The Tall Bearded Iris 'Jurassic Park' is most commonly propagated by division of its rhizomes. This should ideally be done after the flowering period and once the foliage has started to die back, typically late summer to early fall. To propagate, one must gently lift the clump of irises out of the ground with a garden fork, being careful not to damage the rhizomes. The rhizomes should then be inspected, and any that are old or rotting should be discarded. The healthy rhizomes can be cut into sections, ensuring that each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the root system. The cuts should be made with a clean, sharp knife to minimize damage and the risk of disease. The freshly cut rhizomes can then be replanted, spaced out by approximately 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm), allowing enough room for growth, at a depth where the tops of the rhizomes are just visible at the soil surface.
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