Bearded Iris Iris 'Warleggan' (TB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Warleggan' is a type of Tall Bearded Iris that is recognized for its distinct and attractive blooms. The flowers have large, showy petals that come in a blend of colors, usually with a combination of deep blue or violet standards, which are the upright segments of the petal, contrasting with falls that extend downwards, often showcasing a velvety texture with a combination of purples, blues, or even a hint of bronze or gold. The falls might display intricate veining or a splash of lighter or brighter hues towards the center, called the 'beard', which can be a strikingly different color such as white, yellow, or orange, adding to the visual interest of the flower. The beard is plush and serves not only as a focal point but also aids in the pollination process. Iris 'Warleggan' leaves are long, sword-shaped, and bright green, providing a backdrop that highlights the beauty of the blooms. The foliage grows in a fan-like shape, giving structure and formality to the plant's overall appearance, thus making it suitable as a border plant in gardens or as an eye-catching feature in floral arrangements. The bloom season is typically in the late spring to early summer, offering a captivating display that attracts gardeners and pollinators alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, TB Iris
Common names
Iris 'Warleggan' (TB).
ToxicityTo humans
The Iris 'Warleggan', or more commonly known simply as the Tall Bearded Iris, has parts that are considered toxic if ingested. The rhizomes or bulbs of these plants contain irritating substances that are particularly harmful if consumed. If someone eats part of a Tall Bearded Iris, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It is important to handle these plants with care and avoid ingesting any part of them to prevent these unpleasant and potentially harmful effects.
To pets
The Tall Bearded Iris, like to humans, is also toxic to pets. The rhizomes and bulbs contain compounds that can cause irritation and digestive upset. If a pet ingests part of a Tall Bearded Iris, symptoms may include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. It is crucial for pet owners to prevent their animals from eating any part of these plants to avoid the risk of poisoning and associated health complications.
CharacteristicsLife 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
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: This plant is known for its beautiful, showy flowers that add a splash of color to any garden or landscape.
- Pollinator Attraction: It attracts bees and other pollinators, which help in the pollination of other plants.
- Easy to Grow: Iris 'Warleggan' is relatively easy to care for, which makes it suitable for many gardeners, including beginners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal interest in the garden when many other plants are just starting to grow.
- Variety of Uses: These irises can be used in a range of garden settings, including borders, beds, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Resistant to Deer and Rodents: The plant is generally resistant to damage from deer and rodents, which makes it a good choice in areas where these animals are prevalent.
- Multiplication: It can be propagated by division, allowing gardeners to create more plants from a single investment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Iris 'Warleggan' can be used in floral arrangements to provide a vibrant and unusual touch due to its distinct form and colors.
- This iris variety's fibrous roots can be utilized in basket weaving, giving the baskets a natural aroma and unique texture.
- Extracts from the flowers could potentially be used in perfume making, offering a unique base note for new scents.
- Iris 'Warleggan' plants can serve as effective borders in gardens to separate different areas, due to their height and dense foliage.
- The robust leaves can be used in crafting, for imprinting patterns on fabrics or in paper-making for added texture.
- In photography, the striking blooms of the Iris 'Warleggan' provide an impressive subject for botanical and macro photography.
- Dried Iris 'Warleggan' petals could be incorporated into potpourri mixes to add color and a mild scent to the mixture.
- These irises can be planted to stabilize soil in sloped gardens or areas prone to erosion because of their rhizomatous root system.
- The blooms can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, offering hues ranging from pale to deep blue or purple depending on the mordant used.
- Artists may use the intricate details and colors of the Iris 'Warleggan' as inspiration for botanical illustrations or paintings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Iris 'Warleggan' represents hope, often associated with the flower's ability to bloom early in the spring after a long winter, symbolizing the anticipation for better times ahead.
- Purity: The iris often embodies purity, with its bright, clean colors and elegant form being seen as a reflection of pure heart and spirit.
- Courage: The bold colors and hardiness of the iris have made it a symbol of courage and admiration, especially in the context of its namesake, Iris, the Greek goddess who was a messenger and known for her bravery.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, the iris is a symbol of wisdom, valued for its distinctive appearance which seems to impart ancient knowledge.
- Faith: The iris is also a symbol of faith, with its three upright petals said to represent faith, valor, and wisdom—a trio of revered qualities.
- Royalty: With its regal appearance, the iris is often associated with royalty and has been used in royal emblems and insignia throughout history.
WaterTall Bearded Iris, commonly known as Iris 'Warleggan', should be watered deeply to encourage root growth but allowed to dry out between waterings, as they do not like to remain in wet soil. Generally, this means watering once a week, providing about an inch of water each time if there has been no significant rainfall. During hot, dry spells in summer, they may need water twice a week. In the spring and cooler months, reduce the amount of water to prevent waterlogging. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent issues with rot, instead focusing the water at the base of the plant.
LightTall Bearded Iris, also known as Iris 'Warleggan', thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout the day, ensuring the rhizomes can dry quickly after rain and dew, preventing rot.
TemperatureTall Bearded Iris, known as Iris 'Warleggan', prefers temperate conditions and can tolerate temperatures as low as 14 to -50°F in winter as part of their dormancy period. They can endure high summer temperatures up to 90°F but perform best when nighttime temperatures fall between 55°F and 65°F. To ensure optimal growth and flower production, plant them in an area that experiences a normal fluctuation of seasonal temperatures.
PruningPrune Iris 'Warleggan', commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, to remove deadhead flowers after blooming to encourage new growth and prevent seed formation, which can reduce vigor. Cut back the foliage to a height of about 6 inches after frost has killed the leaves in late fall. This helps to prevent disease and pest problems and tidies the plant for winter. Divide the rhizomes every 3 to 5 years, typically in late summer, to rejuvenate the plant and promote vigorous growth and blooming for the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall Bearded Iris prefers well-drained soil, which can be achieved with a mix of loam, sand, and compost. The ideal pH for the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.8 and 7.0. Adequate drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
RepottingTall Bearded Iris rarely requires repotting if planted in the ground. If it's grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when the clump becomes overcrowded can be beneficial.
Humidity & MistingTall Bearded Iris thrives best with average outdoor humidity levels. They do not have specific humidity requirements, making them well-suited for a range of climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and ample space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enriched soil with good drainage.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the 'Warleggan' Tall Bearded Iris (TB) begins when a seed germinates, typically in late summer or autumn. After germination, a seedling grows and develops into a young plant with a rhizome, which is an underground stem that stores nutrients and produces roots and leaves. Over time, the rhizome grows and eventually sends up new shoots that will form the iris's distinctive sword-shaped leaves. The plant reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, showcasing its striking blossoms that can vary in color based on the hybrid variety. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy, especially in regions with hot summers or cold winters. Throughout its lifetime, the rhizome can be divided and replanted to propagate new plants, continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
The Iris 'Warleggan', known commonly as the Tall Bearded Iris, is typically propagated through division, a process best done in late summer after the blooming period has ended. Division involves carefully digging up an established clump of irises and separating the rhizomes—thick, fleshy roots which store nutrients for the plant. Each cut section of the rhizome should have at least one fan of leaves and a portion of roots. Trim the leaves back to about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) to reduce water loss and replant the divisions 12 to 24 inches apart (about 30 to 61 centimeters), positioning the rhizome just at or slightly below the soil surface. This method allows for the plant to establish itself before the onset of winter, ensuring a robust start for the next growing season.
