Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Somerset Blue' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Somerset Blue' is a striking plant that showcases beautiful flowers with a distinctive shape that is characteristic of irises in general. The blooms are composed of three upright petals known as "standards" and three hanging petals called "falls." The standards of the 'Somerset Blue' exhibit a light to medium blue coloring, whereas the falls may present a slightly darker shade, often with some vein-like patterning or a touch of white or yellow at the base near the beard. The beard, which is a fuzzy line in the center of the falls, adds a touch of contrasting color, typically in a soft yellow or white, and serves as a landing guide for pollinators. The foliage of the 'Somerset Blue' consists of long, slender leaves that are sword-shaped, creating an attractive, arching, and somewhat upright clump. The leaves are a bright, deep green, which perfectly complements the cool tones of the blue flowers. When in bloom, the plant is a mass of color making it a standout feature in any garden where the flowers are the main attraction.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Somerset Blue' (TB).
Toxicity
- To humans
  Tall Bearded Iris, including the 'Somerset Blue' variety, is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if any part of the plant, especially the rhizomes (underground stems), is ingested, it may cause mild stomach upset. Symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Handle with care to avoid potential skin irritation from the plant's sap.
- To pets
  The Tall Bearded Iris, such as 'Somerset Blue,' can be toxic to pets if ingested. The most toxic part of the plant is the rhizome. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious issues such as gastrointestinal irritation or dermatitis. It is recommended to keep pets away from this plant to avoid any possible adverse reactions.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Blue
- Height
  3 feet (91 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics - The Iris 'Somerset Blue', commonly known as the Tall Bearded Iris, boasts vibrant blue flowers that add striking color and beauty to any garden.
- Easy to Grow - Adaptable and hardy, it doesn't require extensive gardening experience to thrive, making it a low-maintenance option for many gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, Tall Bearded Irises are fairly drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering and care during dry periods.
- Attracts Pollinators - The colorful blossoms of Tall Bearded Irises are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest - Irises typically bloom in late spring to early summer, adding interest during a time when many other plants are just starting to grow.
- Perennial Growth - As a perennial, this iris comes back year after year, providing long-term value and interest in the garden.
- Versatile Landscaping - Suitable for borders, beds, and cottage gardens, the Tall Bearded Iris is versatile enough to fit into various gardening designs.
- Dividing and Sharing - Irises can be easily divided to manage their size and spread, offering an opportunity to share plants with fellow gardeners.
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
- Iris 'Somerset Blue' can be used in artistic photography due to its unique and vibrant blue color which can serve as a stunning subject or background.
- Pressed flowers from the Iris can be utilized in creating handmade paper or botanical prints, adding natural beauty and texture to crafts.
- These flowers can be used in natural dyeing processes, where their petals may produce subtle hues of blue or purple dye for fabrics and yarns.
- The strong and straight stalks of Iris 'Somerset Blue' can serve as natural supports for other weaker-stemmed plants in the garden.
- Petals of the Iris 'Somerset Blue' can be incorporated decoratively into candles to include a touch of elegance and color.
- The Iris can be part of educational projects or botanical studies aimed at understanding the morphology and growth patterns of unique flowering plants.
- When dried, the petals can be used to create floral arrangements or wreaths, providing long-lasting decorative appeal.
- These flowers can be used as a natural colorant for making eco-friendly inks for art and craft purposes.
- The blooms may be used in perfumery workshops to inspire scent profiles, though they are not commonly used in commercial fragrance production.
- Iris 'Somerset Blue' can be a source of inspiration for artists and designers looking for natural shapes and colors to include in their visual 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, representing belief in something greater and trust in the unseen.
- Hope - As a flower that blooms early in the season, the Iris carries a message of hope and the anticipation of good things to come.
- Wisdom - Historically, the Iris is associated with wisdom and valued for its role in communicating divine messages.
- Courage - In some cultures, the Iris is a symbol of valor and bravery, likely due to its striking appearance.
- Admiration - With its unique beauty and regal stance, the Iris can express admiration and compliments toward someone.
- Royalty - The elegant form and sometimes royal hues of the Iris can signify royalty and an illustrious pedigree.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-5 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer-Early Fall

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Tall Bearded Iris should be watered regularly during their active growth and blooming periods to maintain evenly moist soil, particularly in the first year to establish a strong root system. After established, they are drought tolerant and will require less frequent watering. However, during prolonged dry spells, they should be watered at least once a week. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent issues like fungal diseases, so water at the base of the plants. A general rule is to provide about an inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation.
Light
Tall Bearded Iris thrives best in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade, but it may hinder flower development. For the optimum growth and flowering, plant them in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in regions with extremely hot summers.
Temperature
Tall Bearded Iris prefer moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate winter lows down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, US zones 3-9, growing best in temperatures that range between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be protected from extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit with some afternoon shade or strategic watering practices to keep them cool.
Pruning
Pruning or deadheading Tall Bearded Iris involves removing spent flower stalks to maintain plant vigor and aesthetic appearance. Additionally, removing old foliage in late summer or fall can help prevent overwintering pests and diseases. The best time to prune is immediately after blooms fade and when you're dividing plants, typically every 2-4 years, to propagate and revitalize the clumps.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Somerset Blue' prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.8 and 7.0. Amend with organic matter to ensure good drainage and roots health.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Somerset Blue' don't require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Divide and repot every 3 to 5 years to rejuvenate and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris 'Somerset Blue' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers conditions that are not excessively humid to prevent rot and fungal diseases.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light and good air circulation for indoor Tall Bearded Iris.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; divide clumps every few years.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Iris 'Somerset Blue', also known as Tall Bearded Iris, begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown or rhizomes are planted in well-drained soil, usually in late summer. Germination follows, as the seeds sprout or rhizomes develop shoots and root systems. The plant then enters a vegetative stage where foliage grows and the plant matures, with fans of long, sword-shaped leaves becoming prominent. During spring to early summer, flowering stalks emerge, culminating in the distinctive blue blossoms that may repeat bloom. Post-bloom, the plant enters a period of seed setting, if pollination occurs, and energy is directed back to the rhizomes for future growth. As winter approaches, the Tall Bearded Iris becomes dormant, with the foliage dying back, and the cycle resumes the following growing season with new growth from the rhizomes.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer-Early Fall
- The Iris 'Somerset Blue', commonly known as a Bearded Iris, is most commonly propagated by dividing its rhizomes. This process typically takes place in late summer after the blooming period has ended and the foliage has started to decline. Gardeners should dig up the clumps of rhizomes carefully to avoid damage. The rhizomes, which are horizontal stems, should be broken apart with hands or cut with a clean, sharp knife, making sure that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizome. The cut surfaces can be dusted with a fungicide to prevent rot. These divisions are then replanted at the soil surface with the top of the rhizome exposed to the sun to encourage drying and discourage rot, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 61 centimeters), allowing enough space for growth. They will establish themselves and start to develop new shoots typically within a few weeks, ensuring a new clump of the Bearded Iris for the following growing seasons.