Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Shurton Princess' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Shurton Princess' is a type of Tall Bearded Iris known for its striking appearance in the garden. This plant boasts large, ornate flowers that command attention with their unique color and form. The blooms exhibit various hues, typically featuring a blend of colors that can include shades of purple, violet, blue, and sometimes, touches of yellow or white in the center, often referred to as the beard. Each flower possesses six petal-like structures: three upright petals called standards and three downward-curling ones known as falls, which are often adorned with contrasting colors or patterns, giving them a regal look. The flowers sit atop sturdy, upright stalks, which rise above the plant's base. The foliage of Iris 'Shurton Princess' consists of long, slender, sword-shaped green leaves that create an attractive, vertical accent even when the plant is not in bloom. The leaves may have a slightly arching habit, creating a graceful, fountain-like effect. The overall impression of the plant is one of elegance and sophistication, making it a popular choice among gardeners looking to add a touch of class to their floral displays.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Shurton Princess' (TB).
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Tall Bearded Iris, including the 'Shurton Princess' cultivar, is not generally considered highly toxic to humans. However, it can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. The rhizomes (the underground stems) are the most likely part of the plant to cause this irritation. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's advisable to avoid consuming any part of the iris plant.
- To pets
  The Tall Bearded Iris, including the 'Shurton Princess' cultivar, can be toxic to pets, especially if they consume large quantities of the rhizomes. Symptoms of iris poisoning in pets can include gastrointestinal upset, with signs such as drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, it may lead to more serious digestive issues. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of this plant, consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life 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
- Ornamental Value - Iris 'Shurton Princess' offers striking floral displays that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Ease of Cultivation - It is relatively easy to grow and adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Pollinator Attraction - The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance - It is tolerant of dry conditions once established, reducing the need for frequent watering and conserving water resources.
- Suitable for Cut Flowers - The blooms make beautiful arrangements and can bring the beauty of the garden indoors.
- Seasonal Interest - With its springtime blooms, it provides seasonal interest and can be a focal point in spring gardens.
- Breeding Potential - This cultivar can be used in breeding programs to develop new varieties with desirable traits.
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
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique color and form of the Iris 'Shurton Princess' can inspire artists and designers in their work, contributing to floral patterns or nature-inspired motifs.
- Photography Subject: With its striking appearance, this iris can serve as an excellent subject for photographers, especially those specializing in macro and botanical photography.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture educators can use the Iris 'Shurton Princess' to demonstrate plant anatomy, pollination biology, and hybridization techniques to students.
- Culinary Garnish: While not typically consumed, the petals of this Iris can be used as a decorative garnish for upscale cuisine, provided they are free of pesticides and other chemicals.
- Floral Crafts: The flowers and stems of the Iris 'Shurton Princess' can be incorporated into handmade crafts such as wreaths, dried flower arrangements, and potpourri.
- Dye Source: Historically, irises have been used to extract natural dyes, and the 'Shurton Princess' could potentially contribute unique hues to textiles or art projects.
- Fragrance Extraction: If this variety of iris is fragrant, its essence can be used in the making of perfumes, candles, and other scented products.
- Wedding Decor: The elegance of the Iris 'Shurton Princess' can be utilized in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations for a touch of natural beauty.
- Garden Theme Inspiration: This iris can inspire garden themes, being the centerpiece of a monochromatic garden or highlighting a royal-themed landscape design.
- Motif for Home Decor: The shape and color of the Iris 'Shurton Princess' can be used as a motif in home decor items such as cushions, curtains, and wallpaper.

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
- Hope - The iris often represents hope, signifying belief in better times to come.
- Faith - Due to its various colors and elegant shape, it is associated with faith and the divine.
- Wisdom - In some cultures, the iris is symbolic of wisdom and cherished for its insightful nature.
- Courage - The iris can be a sign of courage, reflecting the flower's hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Purity - The delicate petals of the iris can convey purity and innocence, especially in its lighter shades.
- Royalty - The regal appearance of irises makes them symbolize royalty and an air of sophistication.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-5 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Tall Bearded Iris, commonly called Bearded Iris, should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep rooting, with a general guideline being about an inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation. In the absence of rain, provide supplemental watering by applying about half a gallon per square foot every one to two weeks, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. During active growth in spring and early summer, more frequent watering may be necessary, but always allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering to prevent root rot. After flowering, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant goes into a dormant state in late summer.
Light
Bearded Iris thrives best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot would be in an area with bright, unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. These plants can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can result in poor blooming.
Temperature
Bearded Iris does well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a climate with hot summers and cold winters. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and summer temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions for Bearded Iris lie between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Bearded Iris should be pruned by removing spent flower stems down to the base of the plant after blooming to promote plant health and prevent seed formation. In late fall, trim back the foliage to about 4-6 inches to tidy the plant and reduce the risk of overwintering pests and diseases. Pruning in this way also allows for better air circulation. Attend to pruning needs annually to ensure vigorous growth for the following season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Tall Bearded Irises, such as 'Shurton Princess', thrive in well-drained soil that's slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The best soil mix is one that combines loamy soil with ample organic matter and good drainage. Adding compost or aged manure will enrich the soil, while coarse sand or perlite can improve drainage.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Irises, like 'Shurton Princess', should be divided and repotted every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. The best time to divide irises is late summer, after they have finished blooming. This helps to rejuvenate the plant and encourages more blooms in the following seasons.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Irises, including 'Shurton Princess', prefer low to moderate humidity levels. These plants are relatively tolerant of dry air, making them suitable for most outdoor garden environments. Excessive humidity may lead to rhizome rot, so ensure good air circulation around the plants.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light, ensure good air flow, and use well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water sparingly.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Shurton Princess' (Tall Bearded Iris) starts its life cycle as a seed, germinating in favorable soil conditions with adequate moisture and light. Upon sprouting, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant developing rhizomes and foliage. As it matures, it forms a network of rhizomes underground, which store energy for growth and reproduction. The plant enters a vegetative stage where it grows leaves and roots, preparing for the next stage of flowering. Once mature, it produces distinctive, large, and colorful flowers in late spring or early summer, typically in its second or third year. After flowering, the plant sets seed while the foliage starts to die back, and the plant enters a period of dormancy, usually in the fall, before the cycle restarts with the next growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to fall
- The Iris 'Shurton Princess', or more commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, is usually propagated by division because they grow from rhizomes. The ideal time to propagate Tall Bearded Iris is late summer to early fall, after they have finished blooming. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up the clumps of rhizomes and gently separate them, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizome attached. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height to reduce water loss and replant the divisions at least 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to provide enough space for future growth. The rhizomes should be planted so that the top is slightly exposed to the air, as burying them too deeply can lead to poor flowering or rot.