Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Violet Icing' (TB)

Water

Tall Bearded Irises like 'Violet Icing’ should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, but only as needed to keep the soil slightly moist, not wet. During the growing season, particularly in the absence of rainfall, watering once a week with about one inch of water, or approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard, is sufficient. In hotter, drier climates, more frequent watering may be necessary. Overwatering can cause problems such as root rot, so allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly.

Light

For optimal growth, Tall Bearded Irises like 'Violet Icing’ require full sun exposure. They thrive with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these irises would be in an open area that receives uninterrupted sun throughout the day. Areas with morning sun and some afternoon shade can also be suitable if the light is strong.

Temperature

Tall Bearded Irises, including 'Violet Icing’, perform best in a temperature range between 55°F and 75°F. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 0°F and can tolerate summer temperatures up to 90°F. However, they may require additional care such as mulching to survive extreme cold snaps and adequate moisture in prolonged heat.

Pruning

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of Tall Bearded Irises like 'Violet Icing’. After blooming, remove spent flowers to encourage new growth. Once the foliage dies back in late fall, cut back the leaves to a height of 4 to 6 inches to tidy the plant and deter pests. Pruning is also recommended in spring to remove any damaged or diseased foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Violet Icing' thrives best in a well-draining soil mixture rich in organic matter. The soil pH should ideally be neutral to slightly acidic, in the range of 6.8 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy garden soil with compost and a small amount of coarse sand or perlite is beneficial to ensure proper drainage and root health.

Repotting

Tall Bearded Irises like 'Violet Icing' typically do not need to be repotted as they are grown outdoors. Instead, they should be divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, which is best done after the blooming period in late summer.

Humidity & Misting

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Violet Icing' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require high humidity. Average outdoor humidity levels are suitable for this plant, and it generally does well in the humidity conditions found in most temperate garden environments without any special requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good air flow for Tall Bearded Iris.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, well-draining soil, water when dry for Tall Bearded Iris.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA for Tall Bearded Iris 'Violet Icing'.

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Iris 'Violet Icing' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins with seed germination when planted in well-draining soil, ideally in late summer. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of grass-like leaves. As the iris matures, it enters the vegetative stage, developing a network of rhizomes and increasing foliage, which can take a few years to establish fully. Upon reaching maturity, the Iris 'Violet Icing' produces tall stems with vibrant violet flowers during the spring or early summer, each bloom typically lasting a day or two. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hot summer months, where foliage may die back. The rhizomes survive through winter and the cycle commences again with new growth in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Iris 'Violet Icing', which is a type of Tall Bearded Iris, is by division. This is generally done after the blooming period, in late summer to early fall, when the plant's growth has slowed down. The process involves carefully digging up the iris clumps and gently separating the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the root system attached. The rhizomes should be trimmed to about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) to encourage new growth and planted so the top of the rhizome is slightly exposed to the air, which helps prevent rot. The separated rhizomes are then replanted in a well-drained soil, spaced about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart, to allow for adequate space for the new plants to grow.