Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' is an attractive perennial that belongs to the group of irises commonly known as Tall Bearded Irises due to their prominent facial hair-like features. This particular cultivar is celebrated for its striking flowers, which display a pale, primrose-yellow color. The blooms are typically large and showy, with three upright petals known as standards, and three lower hanging petals called falls, which are often adorned with attractive ruffling or frills. In the center of each fall, there's a fuzzy area known as the "beard," which in this cultivar may present in a lighter yellow or white shade, creating a charming contrast with the primrose hue of the petals. This beard can be thought of as a landing strip for pollinating insects, guiding them to the reproductive parts of the flower. The foliage of the Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' consists of long, slender, sword-shaped leaves that extend upwards and can add to the vertical interest of the plant in a garden setting. The leaves are a fresh, bright green color, which complements the pastel yellow tones of the flowers. This plant typically blooms in late spring or early summer, providing a delightful display of color and form during this time. Its blossoms are not only a visual treat but may also emit a subtle fragrance that can entice both gardeners and pollinators alike.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' (TB).
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Tall Bearded Iris, generally regarded as having a low level of toxicity to humans, does contain certain compounds that can cause discomfort if ingested. The most significant of these compounds are irisin, iridin, or irisine, which are present in various parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes (rootstock). If someone ingests part of a Tall Bearded Iris, they may experience digestive distress, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, there might be a risk of skin irritation if the sap comes into direct contact with the skin and the individual is sensitive to it. It is generally advisable to handle these plants with care and not consume any parts of them.
- To pets
  The Tall Bearded Iris can also be toxic to pets if ingested. Similar to humans, pets can experience symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, due to compounds such as irisin, iridin, or irisine particularly concentrated in the rhizomes. Depending on the size of the pet and the amount ingested, the effects can range from mild to more serious. In case your pet has ingested Tall Bearded Iris or is exhibiting these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian. Preventing your pets from accessing areas where these plants are grown is an effective measure to avoid such incidents.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  2 feet 6 inches [76 cm]
- Spread
  1 foot [30 cm]
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Adds vibrant color: The Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' produces beautiful primrose-yellow flowers that can brighten up any garden space.
- Attracts pollinators: Its flowers are known to attract bees and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
- Low maintenance: Once established, irises generally have low water requirements and don't demand much attention.
- Drought-tolerant: Irises can survive in conditions with less water, making them suitable for xeriscaping or areas with water restrictions.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: The plant is typically not a favorite of deer and rabbits, which can help prevent them from being eaten by these animals.
- Long blooming period: They have a long flowering period, often providing color from spring to early summer.
- Easy to propagate: Irises can be easily propagated by dividing their rhizomes, allowing for garden expansions or sharing with other gardeners.
- Aesthetic variety: They come in a range of colors and forms, adding variety and interest to the garden landscape.
- Hardy perennial: Irises are hardy and can return year after year without the need for replanting.
- Soil adaptability: They can grow in a variety of soil types, though they prefer well-drained soil.
- Seasonal interest: The foliage of irises provides texture and visual interest even when the plants are not in bloom.
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
- Water Purification: Iris roots can assist in removing contaminants from wastewater in constructed wetlands due to their high tolerance to water-saturated conditions.
- Eco-Friendly Dyes: The petals of the Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and crafts.
- Edible Decor: The flowers can be crystallized with sugar and used as elegant, edible decorations on cakes and desserts.
- Photography Subject: With their unique color and form, these Irises are excellent subjects for botanical photography and art.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers can be used in floral arrangements not only for their beauty but also for their structural interest.
- Perfumery: Iris flowers have been historically used in the production of high-end perfumes for their delicate scent.
- Fish Ponds: The plants can be placed around fish ponds as they are good at stabilizing banks and providing habitat for wildlife.
- Soil Erosion Control: The robust root system of Irises can help prevent soil erosion in areas prone to rainfall run-off.
- Biodegradable Markers: Dried Iris stems can be used as biodegradable plant markers in gardens.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique colors and shapes of the Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' make them a popular choice for artists seeking natural inspiration for their work.

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 and hope, representing a trust in something greater and a positive outlook.
- Wisdom - Historically linked to royalty and the gods, especially in ancient Greece, the iris is a symbol of wisdom and valued knowledge.
- Courage - With its bold hues and striking appearance, the iris can represent courage and admiration for someone's bravery.
- Purity - Like many flowers, the iris can symbolize purity and innocence, often seen in religious or spiritual contexts.
- Royalty - The iris, particularly in regal colors like purple, is a symbol of royalty and the regal bearing that comes with it.
- Message - An iris can be a messenger, indicating the delivery of news or communication between heaven and earth.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-5 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to early fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Tall Bearded Iris, commonly referred to as the 'Sherwood Primrose', should be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth. During the active growth period in spring and early summer, water approximately every week to 10 days, providing about a gallon of water per plant each time, depending on weather conditions and soil type. It's important to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent rot. After blooming has finished and during dormant periods, reduce watering frequency.
Light
Tall Bearded Iris, such as ‘Sherwood Primrose’, thrives best in full sun conditions. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. These irises can tolerate partial shade, but they will bloom best with ample sunshine.
Temperature
Ideal growing conditions for the Tall Bearded Iris ‘Sherwood Primrose’ include temperatures between 55°F to 75°F. They can survive brief periods of cold down to 14°F and can tolerate high temperatures up to 90°F. Avoid planting in areas where temperatures remain high for extended periods or where it could get colder than 14°F for an extended time.
Pruning
The ‘Sherwood Primrose’ Tall Bearded Iris should be pruned by removing spent flower stems after blooming to promote healthy growth and prevent seed formation. In late fall, cut back foliage to a few inches above the ground. Pruning helps prevent disease and encourages strong blooms for the following season. Do this process annually to maintain plant health.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Tall Bearded Iris, commonly referred to as 'Sherwood Primrose', thrives best in well-draining soil with a slight preference for neutrality or mild alkalinity, a pH of 6.8 to 7.0 being ideal. A good mix would contain loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to improve drainage.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Sherwood Primrose' generally do not need frequent repotting and are best disturbed only when overcrowding occurs, usually every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity levels to thrive successfully.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in a sunny spot and ensure good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, space 18 inches apart.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Tall Bearded Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' begins with seed germination, emerging as seedlings when environmental conditions are favorable, usually in the spring. The plant progresses into a vegetative state, wherein its foliage grows and develops, establishing a robust root system. As it matures, typically in its second or third year, the iris enters the flowering phase in late spring to early summer, producing characteristic large, ruffled yellow flowers. Post-blooming, the plant enters a period of seed development if pollination has occurred, leading to pod formation and eventual seed dispersal for the next generation. Throughout the summer and into fall, the iris continues to strengthen its rhizome for nutrient storage, essential for overwintering. Entering dormancy in winter, the Tall Bearded Iris 'Sherwood Primrose' suspends active growth until the conditions become conducive in the following spring to start the cycle anew.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to early fall
- Iris 'Sherwood Primrose', commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, is typically propagated through division of its rhizomes. This process is best carried out in late summer after the blooming period has ended and the foliage begins to fade, which usually occurs from July to September. To propagate, the gardener should carefully dig up the Iris clump and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. The divisions should be replanted promptly, setting the rhizome just at the soil surface and spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart, which converts to approximately 30 to 60 centimeters. The area should be well-drained, as Irises do not tolerate excessive moisture around their rhizomes. After planting, watering should be done to help establish the divisions, taking care not to overwater and cause rot.