Bearded Iris Iris 'Superstition' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
iris 'Superstition'

ABOUT

Iris 'Superstition' is a type of bearded iris known for its dramatic and stunning flowers. It stands out with its velvety deep purple, almost black flowers. Each blossom is composed of two types of petals: the upright petals known as 'standards', and the downward-curving petals called 'falls'. The standards are slightly lighter in color than the falls, creating a beautiful contrast. Adding to the allure, the falls have a slightly ruffled appearance and showcase a striking bright golden or orange “beard” in the center, which is actually a patch of short fuzzy hairs. The bearded iris foliage consists of gray-green, sword-like leaves that grow in a fan-shaped form, and these leaves can add texture and interest to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. The deep, rich color of the Iris 'Superstition' flowers makes it a favorite among gardeners who want to create a bold visual statement in their landscapes.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Synonyms

      Bearded Iris, German Iris

    • Common names

      Iris 'Superstition' (TB)

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      The Tall Bearded Iris 'Superstition' is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, ingesting parts of this iris can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant, particularly the rhizomes, can occasionally cause skin irritation due to the presence of certain compounds. It is recommended to avoid consuming any part of the plant and to wear gloves when handling it to prevent skin irritation.

    • To pets

      The Tall Bearded Iris 'Superstition' can be toxic to pets if ingested. The primary concern is the rhizomes, which contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation in animals like dogs and cats. Additionally, there may be a loss of appetite and signs of abdominal pain. It is advisable to restrict access to these plants and seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Mixed

    • Height

      2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)

    • Spread

      1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      3-10

    • Native area

      Varies

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Value: Iris 'Superstition' adds striking beauty to gardens with its deep, velvety purple-black flowers that are a standout in springtime.
    • Landscape Design: It's useful for adding vertical accents to a border, with its tall and elegant blooms, as well as creating focal points in garden design.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's quite drought-tolerant, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
    • Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
    • Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, providing a benefit to the local ecosystem.
    • Cut Flowers: Blooms are ideal for cutting and can add a dramatic touch to floral arrangements.
    • Cold-Hardy: It is cold-hardy, which allows it to thrive in cooler climates and survive frost and cold winters.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • The Iris 'Superstition' can be used for natural dyeing processes, as various parts of the plant can yield different colors like yellow, green, or even blue.
    • In art, the intriguing dark blooms of this iris can be a natural inspiration for paintings, sketches, and fabric designs due to its deep color and unique form.
    • Culinary use is a possibility, as some cultures use the rhizomes of certain iris species to flavor and color traditional dishes, though caution is advised as some can be toxic.
    • They can also serve as a subject in photography, particularly in macro-photography, where the detail and texture of the flower creates stunning visuals.
    • The large, showy flowers of the Iris 'Superstition' can be used as eco-friendly confetti for outdoor celebrations, decomposing naturally in the environment.
    • As educational tools in botany classes, the different parts of the iris can demonstrate plant anatomy and pollination techniques.
    • For crafting, dried iris petals from this variety can be incorporated into homemade paper or potpourri mixtures.
    • In landscaping, the strong color contrast of its blossoms can be used to create striking focal points in garden design.
    • This plant can be given as a symbolic gift, with its namesake 'Superstition' sparking conversations about the cultural meanings behind plants and flowers.
    • Iris 'Superstition' can be used in flower arranging competitions, where their unique color can add depth and mystery to floral compositions.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Iris is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Royalty - Irises are often associated with royalty and regal majesty, due to their bold presence and historical connection to French kings, who used the flower as a symbol for royal standards.
    • Wisdom - The iris is symbolic of wisdom and valued for its association with the Greek goddess Iris, who was known to be a messenger of the gods and a link between heaven and earth.
    • Faith - Due to its tri-petal design which can represent the Holy Trinity, the iris can symbolize faith and is often used in religious contexts to convey this meaning.
    • Hope - The iris, with its upright petals, can symbolize hope, suggesting a looking forward to the future and the perseverance of life.
    • Courage - The iris may signify courage and admiration, perhaps due to its striking appearance and the ability to stand out in a garden.
    • Purity - The clean lines and often bright colors of the iris convey a sense of purity and innocence.

💧
Every 7-10 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 3-5 years
Repotting
🌱️
Late summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as 'Superstition', requires moderate watering, particularly when the plant is actively growing in spring and leading up to bloom time. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. On average, watering once a week with approximately 1 gallon per plant should suffice, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During the hot summer months, you may need to water more frequently, and during the cooler seasons or rainy periods, less often. It is always best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.

  • sunLight

    Tall Bearded Iris 'Superstition' thrives best in full sun conditions. Ideally, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. An area that provides morning sunlight with some afternoon shade can also be suitable, but too much shade may impede flowering. Ensure that the chosen spot is well-lit to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.

  • thermometerTemperature

    For the Tall Bearded Iris 'Superstition', the ideal growing temperature is between 55°F and 75°F. These irises can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F but can succumb to frost damage during active growth if temperatures dip below 29°F. During summer, they can tolerate high temperatures up to 90°F without adverse effects, provided they have adequate water and mulch to keep the roots cool.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of Tall Bearded Iris 'Superstition'. Deadheading spent blooms prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production. Once the flowering has finished, cut back the flowering stems to the base. Additionally, remove any damaged or diseased foliage as needed. The best time to prune the leaves is in the fall, reducing the foliage to about 4-6 inches to tidy the plant and prevent overwintering pests.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Tall Bearded Irises like Iris 'Superstition' thrive best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix can be created using loamy garden soil with added sand and compost to ensure good drainage. Avoid heavy, wet soils as these can lead to root rot in irises.

  • plantRepotting

    Tall Bearded Irises such as Iris 'Superstition' typically do not require frequent repotting. They should be divided and repotted every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to reduced blooming.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Tall Bearded Irises like Iris 'Superstition' are not particularly humidity-dependent and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. They generally prefer drier conditions and are well-suited to the average outdoor humidity levels found in their growing zones.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place in bright light and cool temps; avoid excess water.

    • Outdoor

      Full sun, well-draining soil, moderate watering.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Bearded Iris 'Superstition' begins its life as a rhizome, which is a type of underground stem that stores energy for the plant. In early spring, new shoots emerge from the rhizome, growing into tall, blade-like leaves and flowering stalks. By late spring to early summer, the plant blooms with deep purple, almost black flowers that are the namesake for "Superstition." After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, where it builds up reserves in the rhizome. In late summer or fall, the foliage starts to die back as the plant goes dormant, withdrawing nutrients back into the rhizome for the winter. The cycle restarts the following spring when temperatures rise and the ground warms, prompting the rhizome to produce new growth again.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Late summer

    • Iris 'Superstition', a variety of Tall Bearded Iris, is most commonly propagated through division of its rhizomes. The ideal time for this process is late summer after the flowering has finished, typically in July or August. To propagate, gardeners should carefully dig up the iris clumps and separate the rhizomes with a clean, sharp knife, ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves. Any dead or damaged material is trimmed, and the leaf fans are often cut back to about 6 inches (15 centimeters) to minimize water loss. The divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil with exposure to full sun, where they are spaced about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 centimeters) apart to provide adequate room for growth.

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