Bearded Iris Iris 'White City' (TB)
ABOUT
The Iris 'White City' is a captivating plant that boasts a striking visual appeal through its elegant flowers and foliage. Each bloom of the 'White City' is characterized by pristine white petals, which exude a sense of purity and grace. The petals are often outlined with a subtle hint of lavender or pale blue, adding a soft contrast to the flower while highlighting its sculptural form. These petals are arranged in a classic iris fashion, with three upright standards and three downward-facing falls. The falls may feature a delicate veining or a gentle wash of color, which converge towards a yellow or light blue beard—a fuzzy strip that adds texture and a touch of warmth to the blossom's heart. The leaves of the 'White City' are slender, long, and sword-shaped, presenting a vibrant green color that forms a beautiful backdrop to the luminous white blooms. The foliage grows in dense, upright clumps, creating an orderly and attractive structure even when the plant is not in flower. As part of the tall bearded iris group, the 'White City' asserts its presence through its poised and statuesque blooms, which are carried on sturdy, erect stalks. The combination of the flowers and foliage results in a plant that exudes a sophisticated charm, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris
Common names
Iris 'White City' (TB)
ToxicityTo humans
The Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as the Bearded Iris, can be toxic to humans if ingested. Its rhizomes (the underground stems) contain compounds that can upset the digestive system. If any part of the Bearded Iris is consumed, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It is important to avoid ingesting parts of this plant to prevent these adverse effects.
To pets
The Tall Bearded Iris, commonly referred to as the Bearded Iris, is also toxic to pets if they ingest any part of the plant, especially the rhizomes. In pets, symptoms of Bearded Iris poisoning can include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. It is crucial to keep pets away from the Bearded Iris to avoid the risk of poisoning and the potentially severe gastrointestinal upset it may cause.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Iris 'White City' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its elegant white flowers and striking foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Pollinator Attraction: Its bright flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, excluding frequent watering or fertilizing.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Iris 'White City' is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, helping to ensure its survival in wildlife-prone areas.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal interest and color to the landscape.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained conditions.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in certain settings.
- Cold Hardy: This variety of iris is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in many climates.
- Dividable: Can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes every few years, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The tall bearded iris petals can be used as a natural source for dyeing fabrics, giving them a soft, subtle color.
- Iris fibers, though not commonly used, can be incorporated into paper making for a unique texture and appearance.
- The bloom stalks of the tall bearded iris can be dried and used in floral arrangements, providing an elegant and long-lasting display.
- Iris rhizomes are traditionally used in perfumery to create the scent known as Orris root, which has a floral and earthy aroma.
- After flowering, the seed pods of the tall bearded iris can be harvested and used artistically in crafts or as part of a dried botanical collection.
- Gardeners can use the tall bearded iris as a natural pest control plant, as it is known to deter certain types of rodents.
- The distinctive shape of the iris petals makes them suitable for botanical print-making, creating beautiful pressed flower art.
- Iris leaves can be woven or braided into small decorative items or accessories, such as bookmarks or bracelets.
- The spent flowers of tall bearded iris can be composted to enrich garden soil with organic matter.
- The tall bearded iris plants can serve as inspiration for artists and photographers, who capture their elegance and variations in their work.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The color white in the 'White City' iris often symbolizes purity and innocence, reflecting its clean and unblemished appearance.
- Honor: Irises in general are associated with honor and the valor of the heart, making them a common gift for veterans or to recognize someone's courage.
- Wisdom: With its regal stance and dignified blooms, the iris is often seen as a symbol of wisdom and intelligence.
- Hope: The iris's resilience and capacity to bloom in diverse conditions can symbolize hope and belief in the future.
- Faith: The iris can represent faith, holding a firm belief in something beyond our immediate perception.
- Royalty: The rich history and majestic look of the iris have made it a symbol of royalty and regal bearing.
- Message: In the language of flowers, an iris can carry a message, often of good news or a communication between parts.
WaterThe Tall Bearded Iris should be watered deeply and infrequently, as they do not like to remain wet and are fairly drought-tolerant. During the active growth period, in spring and early summer, watering once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant is sufficient. In the absence of rainfall, maintain this schedule, ensuring that the soil dries out between watering sessions. Once established, the Tall Bearded Iris requires less water, so during the hot and dry periods of late summer, you may reduce watering to every two weeks, monitoring the soil moisture level.
LightTall Bearded Iris thrives in full sunlight where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. The best spot for the plant is in a position where morning sun dries the dew quickly from the leaves, helping to prevent disease. These irises can tolerate partial shade, however, too much shade can reduce flowering. An open, sunny space with plenty of light will ensure optimal growth and blooming.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature conditions for Tall Bearded Iris range from 35°F to 90°F. They can survive brief periods of colder winter temperatures down to about -10°F to -20°F with proper winter mulching. In the summer, they can tolerate high temperatures if they are well-watered. It's crucial to avoid exposing the iris to prolonged periods outside of this range which could be detrimental to their health.
PruningPrune Tall Bearded Iris by removing spent flower stems down to the base of the plant to promote healthy growth and prevent seed development. After blooming, cut away any brown or damaged leaves to encourage good air circulation. In late summer or early fall, trim foliage to about 6 inches to prepare the iris for winter and reduce the risk of leaf spot diseases. Pruning should be done annually or as needed when the leaves become unsightly or damaged.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall Bearded Iris, commonly known as 'White City', thrives best in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A mixture containing two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost is ideal for this iris, providing adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingTall Bearded Iris typically does not need to be repotted often. It should be divided and replanted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant's vigor.
Humidity & MistingTall Bearded Iris, or 'White City', prefers a climate with low to moderate humidity. They do not require high humidity levels and can thrive in average garden conditions with natural air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample sunlight and good airflow for indoor 'White City' Iris.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil for outdoor 'White City' Iris.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Iris 'White City' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life as a rhizome planted just below the surface of well-drained soil, typically in late summer or early fall. It first establishes a root system and sends up sword-like leaves, entering a vegetative growth phase. In the following spring or early summer, it develops stalks that bear large, showy white flowers with a touch of yellow at the beard. After blooming, the flowers fade and seed pods may form, although gardeners often remove spent blooms to redirect energy to the rhizome. The plant then enters a period of dormancy during late summer, particularly in hotter climates, where the leaves may die back. Throughout the years, the rhizome slowly multiplies, prompting the gardener to divide the clumps every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant's vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
The most popular method of propagating Iris 'White City', which is a Tall Bearded (TB) Iris, is through division. This process is typically done in late summer, after the blooming period has ended and when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig around the iris clump and lift it from the ground. Shake or wash off the soil and inspect the rhizomes for signs of disease or damage, discarding any that are not healthy. Using a sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into pieces, ensuring that each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a healthy set of roots. Trim the leaves to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length to reduce water loss and replant the divisions 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil with the rhizome slightly exposed to the air. Water the new plants well to help them establish.
