Border Bearded Iris Iris 'Orinoco Flow' (BB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Orinoco Flow' (Border Bearded) is a type of iris that exhibits a striking appearance with its unique and colorful flowers. The bearded iris, as it's commonly called, features bold blooms that are highlighted by soft brush-like hairs along the lower petals, often referred to as the "beards." These hairs can be a contrasting color to the petals themselves, providing a stunning visual display. The flowers are typically composed of upright petals called "standards," and downward curving petals called "falls," creating a distinct, three-dimensional shape. This iris showcases a mix of colors which can include shades of purple, blue, yellow, white, and even bi-color combinations, depending on the particular variety. The petals might have a velvety texture with intricate veining or mottling, contributing to their ornate appearance. The bloom season of this iris can vary, but often occurs in late spring to early summer. Apart from its beautiful flowers, Iris 'Orinoco Flow' has sword-shaped, green leaves that grow in a fan-like formation. These leaves provide an attractive, upright structure to the plant, even when it is not in bloom. The combination of the elegant blooms and the architectural foliage make the bearded iris a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and drama to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Border Bearded Iris, BB Iris
Common names
Iris 'Orinoco Flow' (BB)
ToxicityTo humans
The Bearded Iris, which includes the variety Iris 'Orinoco Flow' (BB), is considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains irisin, iridin, or irisine, which are substances that can cause digestive distress. If someone eats part of a Bearded Iris, they might experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the plant can sometimes lead to skin irritation due to the presence of these chemicals.
To pets
Bearded Iris, including the Iris 'Orinoco Flow' (BB), can also be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes (underground stems) contain compounds like irisin, iridin, or irisine that can cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. The symptoms of poisoning in pets might include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain. Intake of large quantities may lead to more severe symptoms and veterinary attention should be sought.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet 60 cm
Spread
2 feet 60 cm
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Temperate northern hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its unique blue-violet flowers.
- Easy Maintenance: Known for being a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Resilient in dry conditions once fully established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of surviving in colder climates, which is beneficial for gardens in cooler regions.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, promoting biodiversity.
- Border Planting: Excellent for use in borders due to its compact size and striking color contrast.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are suitable for cut flower arrangements, adding beauty indoors as well.
- Naturalizing: Capable of spreading and naturalizing in the landscape, filling out garden spaces over time.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be damaged by deer, which is advantageous in areas with deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The dried rhizomes of the Iris can be ground into a fine powder and used as a natural replacement for arrowroot powder in gluten-free baking and as a thickener for sauces.
- Iris 'Orinoco Flow' can be used in the creation of natural dyes, with the flowers and leaves providing a range of colors from yellows to greens for textiles and art projects.
- The strong fibers of Iris leaves have been historically used for making durable ropes and textiles in ancient cultures.
- The flowers of the Iris can be crystallized and used as elegant edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
- Garden enthusiasts use the distinct shape and color of the Iris 'Orinoco Flow' for floral art, such as Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.
- Iris petals can be added to potpourris for a gentle and appealing fragrance that can freshen up a room or drawer.
- The blooms of the Iris can be infused in water to create a scented bath soak, offering a visually appealing and aromatic bathing experience.
- Iris 'Orinoco Flow' can be used in photography and painting as a subject due to its vibrant colors and unique form, offering inspiration to artists and photographers.
- Enthusiasts of eco-printing can use the leaves and flowers of the Iris to transfer natural pigments directly onto paper or fabric, creating unique and organic patterns.
- The robust leaves of the Iris can be woven into baskets or used as natural wrappings for bouquets and gifts, adding a decorative and rustic touch.
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, representing belief in a positive future.
- Wisdom - Due to its namesake from the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger and symbol of wisdom, the plant is also associated with knowledge and intelligence.
- Trust - Given its steadfast nature, the Iris is a symbol of trust and reliability.
- Purity - Historically, irises have been associated with purity, especially in religious contexts.
- Royalty - Irises sometimes stand for royalty and regal presence because of their commanding appearance and historic presence in royal emblems.
- Courage - In some cultural contexts, irises also represent courage, reflecting the plant's bold colors and strong form.
- Faith - Faith is another key symbolism of the iris, connoting belief in oneself or the divine.
WaterFor the Border Bearded Iris, commonly known as 'Orinoco Flow', it's important to water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Initially, after planting, water the irises once a week with about a gallon of water per plant. Once established, you should decrease the frequency to every two weeks or even less, depending on your climate and soil type. Irises prefer not to sit in wet soil, so ensure that the soil dries out somewhat between watering sessions. During the hotter months, you might need to water more often, but always check that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.
LightBorder Bearded Irises like 'Orinoco Flow' thrive best in full sunlight, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun a day. They can tolerate partial shade, but too little light can reduce flowering. It's ideal to plant them in a spot where they receive morning sun and are protected from the intense heat of late afternoon sun if you live in an area with extremely hot summers.
TemperatureThe Border Bearded Iris 'Orinoco Flow' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures; however, it prefers conditions between 35 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. These irises can survive minimum winter temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, but they perform best when the growing season temperatures are within the ideal range. Be sure not to plant them too deep, as this can make them more susceptible to temperature extremes.
PruningPruning, or more appropriately, deadheading Border Bearded Irises like 'Orinoco Flow', is essential for aesthetic purposes and to prevent the plant from spending energy on seed production. After blooms fade, cut back the flower stalks to the base. Divide and trim back the leaves to one third of their height when the rhizome becomes crowded, typically every 3 to 4 years in the late summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Border Bearded Iris 'Orinoco Flow' thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix with a pH range of 6.8 to 7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic) is ideal for this plant. Amend garden soil with compost or a balanced mixture of loam, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingBorder Bearded Irises like 'Orinoco Flow' often do not need frequent repotting and should be divided and repotted about every 3 to 4 years. Repotting is best done after flowering, typically in late summer when the rhizomes can be easily separated and replanted.
Humidity & MistingBorder Bearded Iris 'Orinoco Flow' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels, but it prefers average humidity conditions. Excessively high humidity can promote rhizome rot, so ensure good air circulation for optimal plant health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, moderate temps, well-draining soil for indoor Bearded Iris.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, enrich soil, ensure good drainage for outdoor Iris.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Bearded Iris 'Orinoco Flow' begins with seed germination, where the seeds must be subjected to a cold period to break dormancy before they sprout. Following germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants establishing a strong root system and foliage in the form of fans of leaves. As the plant matures, rhizomes (horizontal underground stems) expand, storing nutrients and generating new growth points for future shoots and leaves. The bearded iris typically enters its flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing exquisite blooms on tall stalks that can be a variety of colors depending on the cultivar. After flowering, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth and energy storage in the rhizomes, preparing for dormancy during the colder months. Year on year, the clumps of irises can be divided and replanted to maintain vigor and to propagate the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Iris 'Orinoco Flow' (BB), also known as the Border Bearded Iris, is typically propagated through the division of rhizomes. The ideal time to do this is after the blooming period when the plant starts to go dormant, usually late summer to early fall. To propagate, one should carefully dig up the clump of irises, making sure to minimize damage to the rhizomes. These rhizomes should then be separated by snapping them apart at the natural divisions or by cutting them with a clean, sharp knife. Each division should have one or two leaf fans and a section of the rhizome. The freshly cut surfaces may be treated with a fungicide to prevent rot. These divisions should be replanted promptly, with the top of the rhizome slightly exposed to the air, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart to allow for growth and proper air circulation.
