Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Stepping Out' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Stepping Out' is a striking variety known for its bold and elegant appearance. It features large, showy flowers that exhibit a captivating dual-tone coloration. The petals of this Iris, also known as Tall Bearded Iris, can be broadly divided into two types: the standards and the falls. The standards are the upright petals, which in this variety, are usually a light color, often a pale lavender or bluish-purple, giving a poised and stately look to the flower. In contrast, the falls are the downward-arching petals, and in the case of 'Stepping Out', they are a deeper purple or a rich violet, often with a white or lighter center, bordered by a darker band that gives it a striking bicolor effect. What sets 'Stepping Out' apart is the distinct "beard" that it draws its common name from. The beard is a fuzzy, caterpillar-like line that runs down the middle of each fall, usually in a bright contrasting color like orange or yellow. This adds a touch of warmth to the cool-toned palette of the flower. The leaves of the Iris 'Stepping Out' are long, slender and sword-shaped, with a bright green color that complements the flowers. They grow in a dense, clump-forming habit, emerging from the base of the plant and spreading outwards, which adds to the plant's fullness. The foliage can remain attractive in the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. The flowers are borne on sturdy, upright stems that rise elegantly above the foliage, each stem capable of producing multiple flowers which blossom in succession. The blooms have a delicate, fruity or floral fragrance, which can be a delightful addition to any garden setting. With its captivating array of colors and classic Iris form, 'Stepping Out' is a popular choice amongst gardeners looking to add a touch of dramatic flair to their perennial beds, borders, or as a standout feature in a dedicated Iris garden.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Bearded Iris, Tall Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Stepping Out'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The common name for Iris 'Stepping Out' is Tall Bearded Iris. Tall Bearded Iris are not considered highly toxic to humans, but they can cause mild stomach upset if ingested due to the presence of irritant compounds. Handling the plant, especially the rhizomes, may sometimes cause skin irritation due to these compounds. If someone ingests part of the plant, the most common symptoms would include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It is generally advised to avoid eating any part of the iris plant.
- To pets
  The common name for Iris 'Stepping Out' is Tall Bearded Iris. Tall Bearded Iris are considered mildly toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The rhizomes contain irritant substances that can cause digestive upset. If a pet ingests part of a Tall Bearded Iris plant, symptoms could include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. In most cases, the toxicity is not severe, but it is advisable to keep pets away from ingesting the plant and to consult with a veterinarian if significant amounts are consumed.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  3 feet (91 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Large showy flowers with blue-violet falls and white standards add aesthetic value to gardens.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in borders, as specimen plants, or in mass plantings for visual impact.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the plant requires relatively little water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and removing spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
- Attracts Wildlife: Can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a burst of spring color, and its foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season.
- Adaptability: Capable of thriving in a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Cold Hardy: Tolerates cold climates and can survive freezing temperatures once established.
- Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
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
- Crafting Natural Dyes: The blooms of the iris can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, yielding a range of colors from yellows to purples depending on the mordant used.
- Edible Decoration: Some species of iris have edible flowers, which can be used to garnish salads or desserts for an elegant and colorful touch.
- Eco-friendly Insecticide: Certain parts of the iris, especially from the rhizomes, can be used to make a natural insecticide to protect other plants in the garden without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Aromatherapy: Iris flowers can be used in potpourris and sachets to add a delicate fragrance to a room, possibly having a subtle calming effect on individuals.
- Homemade Paper Making: The fibers from iris plants can be incorporated into homemade paper, adding texture and visual interest to the final product.
- Photography Subject: The dramatic and bold flowers of the iris make it an excellent subject for macro and garden photography, appealing to photographers looking to capture the intricate beauty of flowers.
- Arts and Crafts: The unique shape of iris petals can inspire various arts and craft projects, including flower pressing, botanical prints, or even as a stencil for painting designs.
- Educational Resource: The iris can serve as a plant to study botany and hybridization due to its diverse range of colors and forms, providing educational opportunities for students and gardening enthusiasts.
- Water Filtration: Certain species of iris are known for their ability to help filter and clean water in ponds and natural water features, though such usage would need to be researched for the specific 'Stepping Out' variety.
- Historic Reenactments: Irises have been historically significant in many cultures; thus, their presence in period gardens or historical reenactments can add an element of authenticity to the settings.

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 generally symbolizes hope, as it blooms in the spring, bringing color and joy after the winter months.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, the iris represents wisdom and is associated with royal families and deities who are wise.
- Faith: As a plant that comes back year after year, the iris is often seen as a symbol of faith and belief in the future.
- Courage: Due to its bold colors and upright stance, the iris can also symbolize courage and admiration.
- Purity: The iris, particularly the white iris, is thought to symbolize purity and innocence.

💧

Every 7 to 10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3 to 5 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Tall Bearded Irises like 'Stepping Out' prefer to be watered deeply and infrequently to mimic their natural dry-climate origins. You should water them once a week with about an inch of water, and always aim to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can encourage disease. During the hot summer months, increase watering to every four to five days, ensuring the soil gets a good soak with roughly one to two gallons of water depending on the size and heat levels. In the fall, reduce the amount of water as the plant prepares for dormancy. It’s crucial to avoid over-watering to prevent root rot, especially in poorly drained soils.
Light
Tall Bearded Irises, including 'Stepping Out', flourish in full sun conditions. Aim to provide them with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimum growth and bloom. A spot that receives morning sun and some late afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates, to protect them from the intense heat while still ensuring they have plenty of light.
Temperature
The Tall Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out' thrives in a wide range of temperatures, enduring winter lows down to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and summer highs that can surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for the plant are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the planting site is well-drained especially during the winter to prevent the rhizomes from freezing and rotting.
Pruning
Pruning of Tall Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out' is done to remove spent flower stalks and encourage the plant's energy to be directed back into the rhizome for next year's blooms. After blooming, cut the flower stalk down to the base of the plant. Seasonal cleaning in the late summer or early fall, by removing and discarding any old foliage, helps minimize disease and pest problems. The best time for more extensive pruning—removing damaged or diseased leaves—is in the fall before winter sets in.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Tall Bearded Iris prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7.0. Amend soil with compost and coarse sand to improve drainage. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is beneficial.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Iris should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris thrives in outdoor environments with average humidity levels; they do not require high humidity to grow well.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in a sunny spot, ensure good air flow, and use a well-draining pot.
- Outdoor
  Plant in partial to full sun, in well-draining soil, with space for rhizomes.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Stepping Out', a Tall Bearded (TB) iris, starts its life cycle as a seed, although it is more commonly propagated by dividing rhizomes. From the rhizome or seed, new growth emerges in early spring, developing into long, sword-like leaves. By late spring to early summer, flower stalks stretch up from the foliage, culminating in the blooming of the showy, bicolored flowers for which 'Stepping Out' is cherished. After flowering, the plant focuses on photosynthesis and storing energy in the rhizome for next year's growth. In late summer through fall, it's essential to divide and replant the rhizomes if they become overcrowded, which also serves as propagation for new plants. Finally, the foliage dies back with the onset of winter dormancy, but the rhizomes remain viable underground, ready to repeat the cycle come spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer
- The most popular method of propagation for the Iris 'Stepping Out' is by division. This tall bearded iris typically multiplies by producing rhizomes which can be divided to propagate new plants. The best time to divide and transplant is late summer, after the blooming season is over, typically from July to September. To propagate, dig up the iris clump carefully and wash or brush off the soil to reveal the rhizomes and roots. Using a sharp knife, cut the rhizomes apart making sure each division has at least one fan of leaves and a section of healthy roots. Shorten the leaves to about 6 inches (15 centimeters) to reduce water loss and replant the divisions at least 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow ample space for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them.