Bearded Iris Iris 'Queen's Circle' (TB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Queen's Circle' is a striking flower known for its regal appearance and exquisite coloration. The plant features large, ornate blossoms that are a visual treat. Each flower is composed of six lobes: three upright petals known as standards and three downward-curving sepals called falls. The standards are usually a creamy white, enhancing the majestic look of the flower. The falls exhibit a captivating contrast, with a rich, deep blue or purple bordering that fades into a white center, often adorned with a splash or speckling of the darker color near the throat. The velvety texture of the falls adds further depth to their beauty, and each fall has a distinctive, yellow or orange beard that runs down its center, drawing the eye and accentuating the flower's intricate design. These beards are not only ornamental but also serve to attract pollinators. The leaves of the Iris 'Queen's Circle' are sword-shaped, giving the plant a poised and upright posture. They emerge from a robust clump at the base and are a fresh, bright green, creating a lush backdrop for the flowers. The foliage remains attractive even when the plant is not in bloom, giving structure to the garden setting. Overall, the Iris 'Queen's Circle' is a mesmerizing and dramatic addition to any garden, with its large, showy flowers and contrasting colors making it a focal point wherever it grows.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
Common names
Iris 'Queen's Circle' (TB).
ToxicityTo humans
Tall Bearded Iris, including the 'Queen's Circle' cultivar, are generally not considered highly toxic to humans, but they can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. The rhizomes (underground stems) contain irisin, iridin, or irisine, which can induce nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea if consumed in large quantities. Handling the plant, especially the rhizomes, can sometimes cause skin irritation due to the presence of certain compounds.
To pets
Tall Bearded Iris can be toxic to pets if ingested, especially the rhizomes. Ingesting parts of the plant can cause symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, abdominal pain. If you suspect your pet has consumed Tall Bearded Iris, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Adds a dramatic splash of color with its contrasting white and yellow flowers accentuated by deep blue-violet borders.
- Garden Structure: Provides vertical interest in the garden with its tall, sturdy stems and striking blooms.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers serve as a nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an easy addition for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is relatively tolerant of drought, requiring less water than many other garden plants.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, offering beauty indoors as well as in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a seasonal display when many other plants are not in peak bloom.
- Hardiness: This variety is generally hardy and capable of withstanding various climatic conditions within its recommended USDA zones.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in borders, as specimen plants, or in mass plantings for greater visual impact.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Accessory: The striking colors of Iris 'Queen's Circle' can be used as a natural backdrop or accessory in portrait photography to add depth and a splash of color.
- Fabric Dye: Petals of the Iris can be boiled to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics, offering a range of blue and purple hues.
- Artistic Inspiration: The elegant form and contrasting colors of the Iris 'Queen's Circle' make it a captivating subject for painters and illustrators seeking botanical inspiration.
- Culinary Decoration: The vibrant flowers can be used as an edible decoration to embellish desserts and salads, though it is essential to ensure they haven't been treated with pesticides.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals from the Iris can serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact compared to plastic alternatives.
- Floral Crafts: The Iris 'Queen's Circle' can be incorporated into floral crafts, such as wreath making or pressed flower art, due to its distinctive shape and color contrast.
- Garden Mulch: Once spent, the Iris plant material can be composted and used as mulch, offering a nutrient-rich layer to garden beds.
- Natural Perfumery: The scent of Iris flowers can be distilled to create natural perfumes or to add fragrance to homemade soap and candles.
- Teaching Tool: Iris's complex flower structure can be used as a teaching tool in botany classes to illustrate plant reproduction and anatomy.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, placing Iris flowers in certain areas of the home is believed to bring positive energy and improve the flow of chi.
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 is often associated with hope, sending a message of anticipation for things to come.
- Royalty: The name 'Queen's Circle' suggests a regal presence, and irises have historically been associated with royalty and regal splendor.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, the iris represents wisdom or valued knowledge due to its dignified appearance.
- Faith: The three petals of an iris are sometimes used to symbolize faith, valor, and wisdom.
- Purity: The iris is often seen as a symbol of purity, especially in its white varieties.
WaterTall Bearded Irises like 'Queen's Circle' generally prefer to be kept lightly moist but not saturated. Watering should be done early in the morning, allowing the foliage to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent disease. During the growing season, they should be watered about once a week with approximately 1 inch of water, although this can vary based on climate conditions. In hotter, drier climates, watering may need to be more frequent. Cut back on watering once the bloom period is over, and during winter months, additional water is seldom required unless the weather is unseasonably warm and dry.
LightBearded Iris 'Queen's Circle' thrives in full sun, which means it requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day for the best growth and flower production. Plant it in a spot where it will receive uninterrupted sunlight, away from taller plants that might create shade. The light should be bright but ideally with some protection from the intense, late afternoon sun in very hot climates to prevent the flowers from fading.
TemperatureThe Bearded Iris 'Queen's Circle' prefers temperate climates and can typically survive in temperatures ranging from 14°F to 86°F. However, the ideal temperature for vigorous growth and flowering is between 55°F and 75°F. While irises are cold hardy, it's best to provide winter mulch in areas where temperatures might dip below 14°F.
PruningPrune Bearded Iris 'Queen's Circle' by removing any dead or diseased foliage as needed to maintain plant health and appearance. After flowering, cut back the flower stems to the base, but leave the foliage in place, as it will continue to gather sunlight and strengthen the rhizome for the next season. Once yearly, usually in late summer, prune the leaves to about 6 inches in a fan shape to rejuvenate the plant and prepare it for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall Bearded Iris 'Queen's Circle' prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7. A mix with plenty of organic matter is ideal.
RepottingTall Bearded Iris 'Queen's Circle' typically doesn't require frequent repotting, but division every 3 to 5 years is recommended to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingTall Bearded Iris 'Queen's Circle' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample light; avoid water-logged soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Queen's Circle' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in late summer or fall, producing a small seedling. The seedling grows into a clump of sword-like leaves during spring, forming underground rhizomes. Over time, the plant enters a vegetative state where it focuses energy on increasing its size and developing a strong root system. In late spring to early summer of the following year, the iris produces its characteristic large, showy flowers which are white with a blue rim around the petals. After flowering, the plant sets seed capsules if pollinated, while the foliage continues to photosynthesize and store energy in the rhizomes for the next year's growth. The iris then enters a period of dormancy in late summer or fall, with the foliage dying back, and the cycle restarts with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
Propogation: The Iris 'Queen's Circle', commonly known as the Tall Bearded Iris, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this species. The best time to propagate is late summer to early fall, after the blooming period has finished and the plant has had a chance to build up reserves. The process involves carefully digging up the iris clumps and separating the rhizomes with a clean, sharp knife or spade. Each section should have at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizome. Trim the leaves to about a third of their length, which is usually 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce water loss. Replant the divisions 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 61 centimeters), ensuring the rhizomes are just below the surface of the soil to prevent rot. Water the new plantings well to settle the soil around the rhizomes and to help them establish.
