Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Precious Heather' (TB)

Water

Tall Bearded Irises like 'Precious Heather' should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage robust root growth. They require approximately 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental watering. During hot, dry spells, additional water may be necessary. Water should be applied at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease issues. Overwatering can cause rhizome rot, so allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. If using a hose or watering can, provide enough water to soak the root zone, which might be about 2 gallons per plant every 7-10 days, depending on soil conditions and climate.

Light

Tall Bearded Irises such as 'Precious Heather' perform best in full sun, which means they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that receives early morning sun is ideal as it dries the dew on the leaves, which helps prevent disease. They will tolerate partial shade, but this may diminish bloom quality and quantity. Ensure the chosen location avoids the shade cast by larger plants or structures during the peak sunlight hours.

Temperature

'Precious Heather' Tall Bearded Iris thrives in temperate climates with cold winters and warm summers. They prefer a temperature range from 30°F (-1°C) to 90°F (32°C). Irises need a period of dormancy with cold winter temperatures below 40°F (4°C) to bloom well. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) with adequate protection like mulching but should not be exposed to sustained temperatures above 90°F (32°C) without water.

Pruning

Pruning or deadheading Tall Bearded Irises like 'Precious Heather' helps encourage more blooms and maintain plant health. Remove spent flower stalks at the base after blooming to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. In late summer or early fall, cut back the foliage to about 6 inches to tidy the plant and remove any diseased or damaged leaves. Divide and cut back irises every 3-5 years to rejuvenate them and promote vigorous flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Precious Heather' thrives best in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. It's important to ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, so amending the soil with compost and coarse sand or gravel can be beneficial.

Repotting

Tall Bearded Iris 'Precious Heather' generally does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be divided and repotted every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and bloom quality.

Humidity & Misting

Tall Bearded Iris 'Precious Heather' prefer lower humidity levels typical of outdoor conditions and do not thrive in excessively humid environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and limited watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space rhizomes apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Iris 'Precious Heather' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life cycle as a seed, which after germination, grows into a young plant with a characteristic rhizome. The rhizome subsequently develops roots and sprouts leaves, forming a foliage fan that gathers sunlight for photosynthesis. During the growth stage, the plant accumulates resources that allow it to enter the next phase of flowering, where it produces the iconic purple blooms, typically in late spring to early summer. After pollination, either by wind or pollinators, the flowers develop into seed pods, which upon maturing, release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The rhizomes can also spread underground to produce new shoots, allowing the Iris to propagate vegetatively, leading to new plants growing nearby. Over time, the plant will enter dormancy during the colder months, conserving energy until the conditions become favorable for the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Summer to Fall

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating an Iris 'Precious Heather' (Tall Bearded Iris) is by division of its rhizomes, typically done after the blooming period in late summer to early fall when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the rhizomes and use a sharp knife to cut them into sections, ensuring each section has at least one leaf fan and a portion of the roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height to reduce water loss and replant the divisions 12 to 24 inches apart, setting the rhizomes just below the soil surface with the roots spread out downwards in the hole. Water the divisions well to help establish them. This method allows the new Iris plants to acclimate and establish a strong root system before the onset of winter.