Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Phil Keen' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Phil Keen' is a Tall Bearded Iris cultivar renowned for its striking flowers. The appearance of this plant is characterized by its showy blooms, which possess a unique coloration and pattern. Each flower typically comprises three upright petals, known as standards, and three downward-curving petals called falls. The standards are often in shades that can range from creamy whites to deep blues or purples, creating a regal and upright focal point. The falls of 'Phil Keen' may be a contrasting color, exhibiting rich, velvety hues that are often adorned with intricate veining or stippling, along with a distinct, lighter area known as a signal or beard. This beard is likely to be brightly colored, providing an eye-catching contrast against the primary color of the falls. The foliage of 'Phil Keen' consists of long, slender leaves that are sword-shaped, emanating from the plant's base in a fan-like pattern. The leaves are typically a deep, glossy green, adding to the plant's upright and structured appearance. The Tall Bearded Iris, true to its name, has a robust and vertical growth habit, lending an elegant and vertical orientation to gardens and landscapes. The overall impression of Iris 'Phil Keen' is one of classic beauty and sophistication, with blooms that captivate onlookers and add spectacular splashes of color to any setting where it is planted.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Phil Keen'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Tall Bearded Iris, or simply Bearded Iris, is considered to be mildly toxic if ingested. The main toxic component in irises is the compound irisin, which can cause digestive upset. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Ingesting large quantities can lead to more severe reactions, though this is rare.
- To pets
  In pets, the Bearded Iris may cause mild to moderate toxicity. If ingested, the most common symptoms include gastrointestinal upset such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, particularly if a large amount is consumed, there could be more severe symptoms, but these are less common. Owners should prevent pets from consuming this plant and consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  3 feet (0.91 meters)
- Spread
  18 inches (0.46 meters)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  Varies

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Iris 'Phil Keen' adds visual interest to gardens with its striking flowers typically in shades of blue, purple, or bi-colors, enhancing the aesthetic value of landscaping.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, irises are relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering and making them suitable for xeriscaping.
- Easy to Grow: They are adaptable to a variety of soil types and conditions, making them an easy-to-grow option for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: Irises attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential for the health of the ecosystem and the pollination of other plants.
- Long Blooming Period: The blooming period for irises is typically long, which ensures that your garden has vibrant color and interest throughout the growing season.
- Low Maintenance: These plants generally require minimal maintenance once established, making them a good choice for those with limited gardening time.
- Diversity of Use: Irises can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, focal points, or as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Seasonal Interest: Many varieties of iris, such as 'Phil Keen', have foliage that adds texture and interest to gardens even when the plants are not in bloom.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, Iris 'Phil Keen' will return year after year, providing long-term value and reducing the need to replant annually.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of irises can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in garden areas prone to erosion.
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
- Dye Production: The petals of the Iris 'Phil Keen' can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering hues of blue and purple depending on the mordant used.
- Fragrance Extraction: The flower's scent can be extracted and used in making perfumes, adding a delicate floral note to fragrance blends.
- Culinary Garnish: Petals from the Iris 'Phil Keen' can be used to elegantly garnish salads, desserts, and cocktails, adding a touch of color and sophistication.
- Botanical Illustration Subject: Due to its unique coloration, the plant is often used as a subject for botanical art and illustration, helping to teach plant morphology.
- Flower Arranging: This iris variety is prized by florists for its striking blooms, making it a popular choice in floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Eco-Friendly Art Supplies: Petals from the Iris 'Phil Keen' can be incorporated into paper-making or used to create biodegradable confetti for eco-conscious celebrations.
- Garden Design: As a tall bearded iris, 'Phil Keen' is used to add height and structure to flower borders and garden designs.
- Photography: Captivating and photogenic, the Iris 'Phil Keen' is an excellent subject for photography, often used in garden and nature photography workshops.
- Companion Planting: The plant can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in gardens.
- Educational Tool: Schools and botanical gardens may use Iris 'Phil Keen' as a living example to educate about plant biology, hybridization, and horticulture.

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 often symbolizes faith, reflecting the trust and belief in a higher power or the faith in relationships.
- Hope - Irises are also associated with hope, embodying the expectation for positive outcomes and future happiness.
- Wisdom - This flower can represent wisdom, believed to be a sign of valuable knowledge and learning through experience.
- Purity - Due to its elegant and clean appearance, the iris is often associated with purity.
- Courage - The iris may signify courage, symbolizing the bravery required to face challenges head-on.
- Royalty - Historically linked with royalty and noble bearing, the iris carries a regal symbolism.

💧

Every week

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Tall bearded iris, like Iris 'Phil Keen', should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season, this typically means watering once a week with about an inch of water, which is equivalent to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard of garden bed. Adjustments should be made for rain or particularly hot, dry weather to prevent over- or under-watering. During the winter months, irrigation can often be decreased or stopped altogether, as the plant is dormant and natural precipitation may suffice.
Light
The ideal lighting conditions for a tall bearded iris such as Iris 'Phil Keen' are full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. More sun exposure will lead to stronger growth and better blooms. They can also tolerate light shade, especially in areas with very hot summers, but bloom quality and quantity might reduce slightly. The best spot for planting irises is an area where they can receive uninterrupted sunlight without being shaded by trees or taller structures.
Temperature
The tall bearded iris thrives in a wide range of temperatures and can tolerate a minimum temperature of around -20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter when properly established. The ideal growing temperatures for abundant blooms are daytime temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent rhizome rot in wet, cold conditions. During the heat of summer, irises can withstand temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, though they may go dormant in extreme heat.
Pruning
Pruning, or more accurately, deadheading and dividing, is important for the health and vigor of tall bearded irises like Iris 'Phil Keen'. Spent flowers should be removed to promote a tidy appearance and prevent seed formation which can sap energy from the rhizome. Every 3-5 years, in late summer after blooming, the clumps should be divided to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to reduced blooming and increased disease problems. Cut back the leaves to one-third their height to minimize water loss while the plants re-establish after division.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Phil Keen' thrives in well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.8 to 7.0. The best soil mix for this iris should consist of loamy garden soil amended with compost and coarse sand to ensure good drainage. Avoid heavy, wet soils as they can lead to rhizome rot.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Irises, including 'Phil Keen', typically do not need to be repotted often. They should be divided and replanted about every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. The best time to do this is shortly after the flowering period, usually in late summer.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Phil Keen' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive. Average outdoor humidity conditions are generally sufficient, as irises are well-adapted to outdoor climates where they are hardy.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and provide adequate space.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Phil Keen', commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, begins its life cycle as a rhizome planted just below the surface of well-drained soil in full to partial sun. The rhizomes sprout sword-shaped leaves that form a fan-like pattern. In the spring, flower stalks emerge from the base of the leaves, producing intricate, colorful blooms that can vary in hue. After flowering, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, where it continues to photosynthesize and store energy in the rhizome. As the season transitions to fall, the iris enters dormancy, with the foliage dying back until the following spring. The plant can then be divided every three to five years to maintain vigor and increase stock, completing the cycle as the divided rhizomes grow into new plants.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer
- The Iris 'Phil Keen', commonly known as a Tall Bearded Iris, is most commonly propagated through division, a process which is best done in the late summer after the blooms have faded or in the early fall. The reason for this timing is to allow the new divisions to become established before the cold weather sets in. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of the iris out of the ground using a garden fork, taking care to minimize damage to the rhizomes. Gently shake or wash off the soil and inspect the rhizomes for signs of disease or pests. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes by cutting them apart, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a section of the rhizome. Trim the leaves to about a third of their height, or approximately 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm), to reduce water loss and make handling easier. Replant the divisions at ground level, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (30-60 cm) apart to give each plant ample space to grow.