Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' is a striking plant from the iris family, known for its ornamental beauty and vibrant floral displays. The plant typically showcases large, showy flowers that have a unique coloration pattern which makes it stand out in any garden setting. The blossoms of 'Shurton Sunrise' are characterized by their elegant form, comprising three upright petals known as standards, and three downward-curving petals called falls. The flowers are bicolored with the standards usually displaying a softer, lighter hue, while the falls provide a contrasting deeper tone, often adorned with veining or speckling that adds to their allure. Commonly, the falls may exhibit a gradient of colors ranging from golden yellow to orange, creating an impression of a warm sunrise sky, which is likely the inspiration behind the name 'Shurton Sunrise'. Adding to the beauty, the falls may also have a slightly ruffled or wavy edge, giving the flower an extra touch of elegance. The foliage of this iris consists of elongated, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a clumping manner, providing a lush green backdrop which further accentuates the appeal of the blooms. The leaves are vertically arranged and typically have a slightly arching nature, which contributes to the overall graceful appearance of the plant. Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' is cultivated not only for its striking flowers but also for its ability to bring a pop of warm color to landscapes, making it a favorite among gardeners who seek to create visually captivating spaces. Its presence in a garden is bold and eye-catching, often serving as a focal point during its blooming season.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Shurton Sunrise
- Common names
  Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' (TB).
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Tall Bearded Iris, which 'Shurton Sunrise' is a cultivar of, is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. Although not typically deadly, ingestion of the rhizomes (the underground stems), which are the most toxic part, can lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant may also cause mild skin irritation in some people due to the presence of irisin, isoflavones, and other compounds. Therefore, caution should be exercised to avoid ingestion and contact with sensitive skin.
- To pets
  The Tall Bearded Iris, including the 'Shurton Sunrise' cultivar, is considered moderately toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The rhizomes contain the highest concentration of irritants and can cause symptoms including salivation, vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea if ingested. In rare cases, more severe symptoms such as abdominal pain or dermatitis may occur. It is advisable to keep pets away from the plant to prevent the possibility of ingestion and the associated health consequences.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  2-3 feet (61-91 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  Varies

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: The Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' provides food for bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Known for being robust, it requires minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can survive with little water, making it suitable for arid climates.
- Long Blooming: It has a lengthy bloom period, offering extended visual interest in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: It can survive in colder temperatures, which makes it a versatile addition to many gardens.
- Ornamental Appeal: The vibrant colors and patterns of the blooms add aesthetic value to garden landscapes.
- Soil Adaptability: It can thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Architectural Form: The plant's distinct foliage and structure can be used to create focal points in garden design.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for borders, beds, and as a cut flower, making it a versatile choice for gardeners.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will return year after year, proving to be a cost-effective plant choice.
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 colorful petals of the Iris can serve as a muse for painters and textile designers, providing a vivid template for color schemes and patterns.
- Eco-printing Material: The leaves and flowers of the Iris can be used in eco-printing, a technique where plants are used to create natural prints on fabric or paper.
- Natural Dyes: The vibrant hues of the Iris petals can be processed to produce natural dyes for fabric, yarn, or paper.
- Floral Photography: Irises, with their intricate structure and beautiful colors, are popular subjects for photographers specializing in flora and macro imagery.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not commonly consumed, the petals of some Iris species can be used as an elegant edible garnish for fine dining dishes, provided they’re non-toxic.
- Perfumery: The essence of certain Iris species can be distilled to create fragrances, with the root ('orris root') often used in perfumery and aromatherapy.
- Floral Arrangements: The Iris' distinct shape and long vase life make it a striking choice for bouquets and formal flower arrangements.
- Potpourri: Dried Iris flowers can add a visually appealing element to homemade potpourri mixes, bringing a touch of their former color and texture to the mixture.
- Nature Crafts: The sturdy stems and seed pods of the Iris can be integrated into natural craft projects, such as wreaths or botanical sculptures.
- Garden Education: Irises can be used in educational settings, such as schools or community gardens, to teach about plant morphology and reproductive processes.

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 is often considered a symbol of hope due to its vibrant bloom and persistent nature, heralding the season of spring and renewal.
- Trust: Representing trust and faith, the iris is given to convey deep sentiments and belief in someone or something.
- Wisdom: Historically, the iris is associated with wisdom and valued for its majestic appearance, symbolizing experience and knowledge.
- Courage: The bold presence of the iris makes it emblematic of courage, often inspiring bravery and strength in adversity.
- Admiration: With its intricate petals and array of colors, the iris stands as a testament to beauty, eliciting admiration from those who behold it.
- Purity: The clean lines and elegant design of the iris convey a sense of purity and innocence.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer to Autumn

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Shurton Sunrise', much like other bearded irises, requires moderate watering to ensure the soil is kept evenly moist but not soggy, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply to encourage deep rooting, about once a week, providing about an inch of water which usually translates to around a half gallon for each plant, depending on soil conditions and climate. It's important to reduce watering after the blooming period is over, and during the winter months, the iris requires only occasional waterings if the weather is particularly dry, to prevent the rhizomes from rotting.
Light
Tall Bearded Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' thrives best in full sun conditions, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be in a well-lit garden area with no shade during the peak sunlight hours. However, in extremely hot climates, they can benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the scorching heat.
Temperature
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' is hardy and tolerates a wide temperature range, but it grows best when the daytime temperature is between 55°F and 75°F. The plant can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F, and during the hot summers, it can handle temperatures up to 90°F without adverse effects. The irises enter a period of dormancy when temperatures start to drop in the fall, allowing them to withstand the cold season.
Pruning
Pruning or deadheading the Tall Bearded Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' encourages reblooming and helps maintain plant vigor. After the initial blooms have faded, cut the flower stalks down to the base of the plant to redirect energy into rhizome growth for the next season. Additionally, in late summer or early fall, trim back the leaves to about 6 inches above ground level to tidy the plant and minimize overwintering diseases. Pruning is typically done annually or as needed when the flowers fade or foliage becomes damaged.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Tall Bearded Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.8 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil with added compost and sand is ideal. Ensure the soil is fertile and does not retain water to prevent rot.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' typically does not require frequent repotting. It's best to divide and repot every 3 to 5 years to rejuvenate and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' is adapted to outdoor conditions and does not require high humidity; average outdoor humidity levels are suitable.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and limited water.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil, remove spent blooms, divide every 3-5 years.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Iris 'Shurton Sunrise' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins when the rhizomes are planted in well-drained soil, ideally in late summer. After planting, the rhizomes sprout new roots and foliage before going dormant through the winter. In spring, new growth emerges, and by late spring to early summer, the plant produces long, sturdy stems topped with the distinct colorful blooms that this variety is known for. After blossoming, seed pods may form, and the foliage continues to photosynthesize to replenish the rhizome's energy reserves. In late summer, the plant enters a period of dormancy, where the leaves may yellow and die back. The rhizome rests through the colder months, storing energy for the next season's growth cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer to Autumn
- The Iris 'Shurton Sunrise', also commonly known as a Tall Bearded Iris, is most popularly propagated through division, a process best carried out in late summer after the flowering has ceased. This allows the plant to establish itself before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the rhizomes, which are the horizontal stems that grow at or just below the soil surface. Gently pull or cut apart the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a section of healthy roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height, which is approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce water loss. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for sufficient room for growth. Water the new plantings well to help establish the roots.