Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Tintinara' (TB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Tintinara' is a variety of the bearded iris known for its striking and colorful flowers. The bearded iris gets its name from the fuzzy, beard-like structures on the falls of the blooms, which are a distinctive characteristic of this group of irises. These structures often present a contrasting color to the petals. The Iris 'Tintinara' has large, showy flowers that are renowned for their blend of colors, typically featuring a combination of purples, blues, and occasionally hints of other colors such as bronze or pink. Each flower has six lobes: three upright petals known as standards, and three downward hanging petals, referred to as falls. The standards tend to be lighter in shade, while the falls are often more profoundly colored or patterned, showcasing varying shades and possibly veining or stippling. The leaves of Iris 'Tintinara' are long and sword-like, with a vertical, slightly arching habit. They are typically bright green and provide a striking vertical element to the garden. The foliage forms a dense clump and rises from a thick network of rhizomes, which are horizontal stems from which the roots and the shoots of the plant develop. The bearded iris blooms in late spring to early summer, and the flowers are borne atop stiff, upright stalks that emerge from the clump of foliage. These blooms are often fragrant and attract a variety of pollinators, such as bees and hummingbirds. When not in bloom, the plant's architectural foliage provides interest in the garden with its texture and form. Iris 'Tintinara' can contribute significantly to the aesthetic of a mixed border or an iris-specific garden with its bold flowers and elegant foliage, making it a cherished cultivar among iris enthusiasts.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Bearded Iris, German Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Tintinara' (TB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Tall Bearded Iris, like many iris varieties, can potentially be toxic to humans if ingested. The underground rhizomes contain irisin, iridin, or irisine and can induce gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea if consumed. The handling of the plant, especially the rhizomes, can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of the plant and to wash hands after handling the plant to avoid potential skin irritation.
- To pets
  Tall Bearded Iris may also be toxic to pets, including cats and dogs, if they ingest any part of the plant, particularly the rhizomes. Signs of iris poisoning in pets can include symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, consuming large amounts of the plant material may lead to more serious symptoms such as increased heart rate or respiratory distress. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a Tall Bearded Iris, it's essential to seek veterinary care promptly.
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
  Cultivar

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: The Iris 'Tintinara' adds visual appeal to gardens with its vibrant, large, and beautifully patterned flowers.
- Easy to Grow: It is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow and maintain in a variety of garden settings.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: This tall bearded iris blooms in late spring to early summer, adding seasonal interest to the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Iris 'Tintinara' has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Cut Flower: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, allowing for beautiful indoor arrangements.
- Multiplication: It can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Diversity of Design: With its striking form and color, Iris 'Tintinara' can be used in a wide range of garden designs from traditional to contemporary.
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
1. Artistic Inspiration: The striking patterns and colors of the Iris 'Tintinara' can serve as a muse for painters and textile designers, incorporating its unique aesthetic into their work.
2. Photography: People often use the Iris 'Tintinara' as a subject matter for practicing macro and nature photography due to its intricate details and vibrant colors.
3. Education: Biology instructors may use the Iris 'Tintinara' to teach about plant reproductive systems and pollination, given the prominent visibility of its reproductive parts.
4. Wedding Decor: With its elegant form, the Iris 'Tintinara' can be used in wedding bouquets and centerpieces to add aesthetic appeal to celebrations.
5. Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the petals of Iris 'Tintinara' can be used as edible decorations on high-end dishes after ensuring they are safe and free of pesticides.
6. Eco-friendly Dye: The vibrant colors of the Iris 'Tintinara' can be extracted to create natural dyes for fabrics, papers, or other craft projects.
7. Floral Arrangements: Florists often use Iris 'Tintinara' to create visually appealing arrangements due to their height and distinct shape, adding vertical interest to displays.
8. Garden Design: Landscape architects may use Iris 'Tintinara' as a focal point in garden design because of its striking appearance and ability to draw the eye.
9. Perfumery: Some species of Iris are used in perfumery for their scent, and Iris 'Tintinara' could potentially be used to create unique fragrances.
10. Symbolism: The Iris 'Tintinara' can be used in art and literature as a symbol, representing messages such as hope, wisdom, or valor, based on cultural interpretations of the iris flower.

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 is often associated with faith and devotion, showing trust and belief in something greater.
- Hope: As a bloom that emerges in the early spring, irises symbolize hope and the promise of new beginnings.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, the Iris represents wisdom and valued knowledge.
- Courage: The strong and upright stance of the Iris flower can be seen as a symbol of courage and admiration.
- Royalty: Historically, the Iris was a symbol of power and majesty, especially in ancient civilizations.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as 'Tintinara', should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, especially in the absence of rainfall. This equates to about one inch of water, whether from rainfall or irrigation. In particularly hot or dry weather, increase watering to twice a week, applying approximately half a gallon to a gallon for each plant, depending on soil conditions and plant size. During the winter dormant period, reduce watering significantly, only providing water if the soil becomes extremely dry. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Light
Tall Bearded Iris 'Tintinara' thrives best in full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They will perform well in a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, but too much shade can lead to poor flowering. Ensure that 'Tintinara' is planted in an area where light is unobstructed to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Tall Bearded Iris, like 'Tintinara', is between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit while active, but prolonged exposure to extremes can be detrimental. To ensure best flowering, it's ideal for 'Tintinara' to experience a period of chilling during the winter.
Pruning
Pruning Tall Bearded Iris 'Tintinara' involves removing any dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks throughout the growing season. After blooming, cut flower stalks close to the base to tidy up the plant and encourage new growth. In late fall, trim leaves to about 6 inches to prepare the plant for winter and to remove any foliage that could harbor pests. Pruning is typically done annually or as needed to maintain plant health and appearance.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Tall Bearded Iris requires well-draining soil with a pH of approximately 6.8. A mixture of loamy soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal for ensuring proper drainage and fertility. Avoid heavy clay soils and stagnant water to prevent rhizome rot.
Repotting
Tall Bearded Iris typically doesn't need frequent repotting and is best left undisturbed. However, they should be divided and replanted every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & Misting
Tall Bearded Iris prefers a drier climate and does not require high humidity levels. Average ambient humidity is sufficient for this plant, making it quite adaptable to various outdoor conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Use bright light, well-draining soil; water sparingly.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil; space 12-24 inches apart.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Iris 'Tintinara' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life as a seed, which will germinate and develop into a small seedling. The seedling grows into a juvenile plant with characteristic narrow leaves and gradually forms a rhizome, which is a horizontal stem that typically grows underground and stores nutrients. As the plant matures, it will produce long, sword-like leaves and robust stems that will eventually bear flowers, typically in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the pollinated blooms will produce seed pods that mature and eventually split open to release seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, the rhizomes of the Tall Bearded Iris will also produce offsets or daughter rhizomes, which can be separated from the parent rhizome to propagate new plants. Each rhizome will enter a dormant phase during the cold winter months, only to rejuvenate and start the cycle again with new growth in the spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The Iris 'Tintinara', a Tall Bearded (TB) Iris, is best propagated by division, a method most commonly used for these plants. The ideal time to propagate the Iris 'Tintinara' by division is after it has finished blooming, and the temperatures are more moderate, generally in late summer to early fall. Propagation is accomplished by carefully digging up the iris clumps and gently separating the rhizomes, ensuring each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of healthy roots. The divided rhizomes are then replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 61 centimeters) to allow for ample growth. It's important to plant the rhizomes just at or slightly below the soil surface, as planting them too deeply can inhibit flowering.