Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Sable' (TB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Sable' is a type of Tall Bearded Iris known for its stunning flowers that are a rich, velvety deep purple to nearly black. Each bloom features six petal-like parts; three upright standards that give the flower its iconic shape and three downward-curving falls that add depth and dimension. In the center of the falls, you can often find a bright golden or mustard yellow beard, which is a fuzzy patch that adds a striking contrast to the dark petals. The flowers are carried on sturdy stems which rise above a clump of long, narrow, sword-shaped leaves that are a fresh green color. These leaves are arranged in a fan-like pattern, and they have a stiff, upright appearance that complements the bold blooms. Overall, the plant exudes an air of elegance and drama, making it a captivating addition to any garden where it provides a unique and luxurious display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
Common names
Iris 'Sable' (TB)
ToxicityTo humans
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Sable' contains irisin, iridin, or irisine, which are substances that can be toxic when ingested. Consuming parts of this plant can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The rhizomes are particularly known for containing these irritating substances. There may also be a risk of skin irritation upon contact with the sap. If any part of the plant is ingested, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
To pets
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Sable' is also toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can also lead to lethargy and depression. The rhizomes are the most dangerous part of the plant. If a pet consumes any part of a Tall Bearded Iris, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
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- Curb Appeal: Iris 'Sable' adds aesthetic value with its attractive dark, almost black flowers, creating a dramatic visual impact in any garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal care, this variety is ideal for gardeners who want a showy garden without excessive effort.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this Tall Bearded Iris can withstand dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to many of the pests that commonly affect other garden plants, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Hardiness: Iris 'Sable' is known for its ability to survive in a wide range of climates and is hardy in most temperate regions.
- Long Bloom Period: With its extended flowering time in the spring, this iris provides a long season of visual interest.
- Easy Propagation: It can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators to the garden, such as bees and butterflies, which are vital for the health of the ecosystem.
- Versatility: Iris 'Sable' can be used in a variety of garden designs, from borders to mass plantings or as a focal point.
- Seasonal Dynamics: It adds dynamic changes to the garden, with foliage providing interest even when the plant is not in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfumery: The rhizomes of Iris 'Sable' can be used in perfumery to create violet-like scents for various fragrances.
- Ink Production: The juices extracted from the plant can be used to make natural inks, although commercial viability is limited.
- Artistic Dyes: Pigments derived from Iris 'Sable' flowers may be used to dye fabrics or in art for creating watercolor paints with unique hues.
- Biodegradable Pots: Processed fibers from the plant can be molded into biodegradable plant pots for gardeners looking to reduce plastic waste.
- Gourmet Garnish: Petals of the Iris 'Sable' can be crystallized with sugar and used as an elegant garnish for desserts and cocktails.
- Fish Bait: The rootstock, when chopped and softened, is sometimes used as bait for fishing due to its scent and texture.
- Craft Material: Dried parts of the plant can be used in crafts, including potpourri, wreaths, and other dried floral arrangements.
- Eco-printing: The flowers can be used in eco-printing techniques to create natural prints on paper or fabric.
- Photographic Subject: Due to its deep colors and striking appearance, Iris 'Sable' is a popular subject for botanical photography and illustration.
- Decorative Mulch: After the blooming season, dried plant material can be used as decorative mulch that adds aesthetic appeal to garden beds.
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 is often associated with royalty due to its regal appearance and history of being featured in royal emblems and crests.
- Wisdom - The plant is symbolic of wisdom and valued for its beauty as well as its association with the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger for the gods and a link between heaven and earth.
- Faith - The Iris can represent faith, trust, and hope, which are qualities that are often sought after in various cultures and religious contexts.
- Courage - Due to its robust and hardy nature, the Iris can be a symbol of courage and admiration for the strength it displays in the face of harsh conditions.
- Purity - The elegant form and cleanliness of the bloom can reflect purity of heart and spirit, making the Iris a popular choice in religious and spiritual symbolism.
- Hope - The plant's ability to bloom brightly after a long winter signifies hope and the concept of rebirth or new beginnings.
WaterTall Bearded Iris should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth. During the growing season, especially in the absence of rainfall, water the plant every 7 to 10 days, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant each time. The soil should be allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage. During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly, especially in areas with winter rainfall.
LightTall Bearded Iris thrives in full sunshine. They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to perform best. The ideal spot for these irises would be in a garden location where they receive unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting them in shaded areas, as insufficient light can hamper bloom production and lead to stunted growth.
TemperatureTall Bearded Iris can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but they grow best when daytime temperatures are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand cold winter temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring their survival in colder climates. However, they do require a period of dormancy with cold temperatures to promote vigorous growth in the spring.
PruningPruning Tall Bearded Iris involves removing spent flower stalks after blooming and cutting back the leaves to a height of about 6 inches in the late fall to tidy up the plant and discourage disease. Pruning is also important to promote healthy new growth for the following season. The best time for pruning is immediately after bloom for flower stalks and in late fall for foliage reduction.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Sable' thrives best in a well-draining, loamy soil that is neutral to slightly acidic, with an ideal pH range of 6.8 to 7.0. A soil mix of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost is recommended for optimum growth and flower production.
RepottingTall Bearded Iris 'Sable' typically does not need frequent repotting. Repotting should be done every 3 to 5 years, preferably after the flowering season, to refresh the soil and divide crowded clumps.
Humidity & MistingTall Bearded Iris 'Sable' prefers outdoor conditions and does well in average garden humidity levels. It does not require high humidity environments and can tolerate dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space rhizomes properly.
Hardiness zone
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Sable' is suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Life cycleThe Iris 'Sable' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life cycle as a seed, which once sown in fertile, well-draining soil, will germinate and sprout into a seedling under appropriate warm conditions. The seedling nurtures into a vegetative stage, forming a strong root system, foliage, and a rhizome from which the plant will grow and multiply. With the arrival of spring, leaves will further develop, and the Iris enters the flowering stage, producing tall stems topped with rich, velvety, dark blooms for which 'Sable' is named. After the flowering stage, the plant goes into a period of dormancy especially in hot summer climates, during which the foliage may die back while the rhizome remains alive underground. Throughout its life, the plant will engage in vegetative reproduction, with new rhizomes branching off the original, allowing the plant to spread and produce more flowers in subsequent years. Eventually, the older rhizomes may cease to produce new shoots, marking the end of the Iris 'Sable's' lifecycle, while its offspring continue the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to autumn
The Iris 'Sable', commonly known as the Tall Bearded Iris, is best propagated through division, which is typically done in late summer after the blooming period. To propagate by division, the grower should carefully dig up the iris clumps and gently separate the rhizomes, which are the thick, underground stems. Each section should have at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots attached. The divided rhizomes are then trimmed, cutting the leaves into a fan shape approximately 6 inches (15 cm) tall to minimize moisture loss. The prepared divisions are planted in well-draining soil with the top of the rhizome exposed to the air and the roots spread out below in the soil. This allows the plant to re-establish and prepare for growth in the following season.
