Bearded Iris Iris 'Cordoba' (TB)

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

ABOUT

The Iris 'Cordoba' is a striking variety of bearded iris known for its decorative flowers. It typically showcases large, showy blooms with a distinct beard-like feature on the falls – the lower petals of the iris flower. The flowers exhibit a rich, deep color palette usually comprising of deep purples, bronzes, or warm yellows. The standards – the upright petals – create an elegant contrast in form and possibly color, depending on the specific cultivar of Iris 'Cordoba'. The foliage is sword-shaped, with long, upright leaves that emerge from a central rhizome, giving the plant an overall graceful, linear appearance. The leaves are a bright, vibrant green, adding to the plant's charm even when it's not in bloom. Together, the blossoms and the foliage make the Iris 'Cordoba' a highly prized plant in gardens for its dramatic floral display and its architectural leaves that offer interest even when the plant is not in flower.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae

    • Synonyms

      Tall Bearded Iris, Bearded Iris

    • Common names

      Iris 'Cordoba' (TB)

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      The plant commonly known as Bearded Iris can be toxic to humans if ingested. The rhizomes, or underground stems, contain compounds that may cause digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In addition, the handling of the plant's leaves and rhizomes can sometimes lead to skin irritation due to the presence of irisin, which can provoke an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

    • To pets

      Bearded Iris may also be toxic to pets if parts of the plant, especially the rhizomes, are ingested. The consumption of iris can lead to symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea, and in some cases, abdominal pain. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the amount ingested and the sensitivity of the individual animal. It is advisable to prevent pets from consuming any part of this plant.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Varies

    • Flower color

      Mixed

    • Height

      3 feet (91 cm)

    • Spread

      2 feet (61 cm)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      Varies

    • Native area

      Varies

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Aesthetic appeal: Iris 'Cordoba' adds visual interest to gardens with its distinctive and vibrant violet and gold blooms.
    • Low maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care and are relatively drought-tolerant, making them ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
    • Attracts pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems and pollination.
    • Seasonal interest: They bloom in late spring to early summer, providing a burst of color when many spring flowers are fading.
    • Versatile landscaping: These irises can be used in mixed borders, as focal points, or in mass plantings, offering versatility in garden design.
    • Perennial growth: As perennials, they return year after year, offering long-term presence in a garden.
    • Cut flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, adding elegance to floral arrangements.
    • Propagation: They can be propagated by dividing rhizomes, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
    • Resistant to deer: Iris 'Cordoba' is typically resistant to deer, reducing garden damage in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
    • Hardiness: They are hardy in many climates, making them suitable for growing in a wide range of regions.

  • 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

    • Iris 'Cordoba' can be used in photography projects to capture the delicate balance between flora and light due to their vivid colors and intricate patterns.
    • The sturdy leaves of the Iris can be utilized in crafting to create natural bookmarks or adding an organic touch to handmade paper products.
    • Because of their distinctive shape, the petals of the Iris can be used as stencils or templates in art projects, especially useful in watercolor painting or fabric design.
    • The fibrous nature of Iris leaves allows them to be used in natural weaving projects to create decorative mats or wall hangings.
    • Dried Iris petals can be included in potpourri mixes, offering a visual element to the aromatic concoction.
    • Pressed Iris flowers can be used to adorn hand-crafted greeting cards or invitations, adding a touch of elegance and personalization.
    • The Iris can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a subtle lavender or blue hue when used properly.
    • In culinary arts, crystallized Iris petals can be used as elegant and edible decorations for cakes and desserts.
    • The plant's tall and striking appearance makes them suitable as a natural support structure for climbing plants in a mixed garden bed.
    • Iris sachets, filled with dried petals and leaves, can impart a mild fragrance to linens and clothing stored in drawers or closets.

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

    • Hope - The Iris, through its many hues and patterns, represents hope and the belief in better things to come.
    • Wisdom - Often associated with the Greek goddess Iris, this flower symbolizes wisdom that is conveyed through its majestic presence.
    • Trust - With its steadfast and upright growth, the Iris can be a symbol of trust.
    • Valor - The Iris is emblematic of courage and valor, perhaps due to its sword-like leaves and regal appearance.
    • Purity - The iris, especially in lighter colors, is often synonymous with purity and innocence.
    • Royalty - The royal associations of the Iris stem from its sophisticated form and the historic use in royal emblems and insignias.
    • Faith - Irises may represent faith, showcasing belief in the unseen and the spiritual.
    • Messages - Echoing the Greek goddess's role as the messenger of the gods, the Iris can symbolize communication and the sharing of messages.

💧
Every 7 to 10 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2 to 5 years
Repotting
🌱️
Late Summer-Early Fall
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Tall Bearded Iris, including 'Cordoba', prefer consistent moisture but do not like to be overwatered. It is best to water deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water which is roughly equivalent to 0.6 gallons per square yard, depending on the soil type and weather conditions. Increase watering frequency during prolonged dry spells to maintain moisture but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During the winter dormant period, reduce watering significantly, but do not allow the rhizomes to completely dry out.

  • sunLight

    Tall Bearded Iris, such as 'Cordoba', thrive best in full sun conditions. They require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to bloom properly. The ideal spot for planting Tall Bearded Iris is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy growth.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Tall Bearded Iris 'Cordoba' flourishes in areas with a temperate climate. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F and summer temperatures up to 90°F. However, the ideal growing temperature is between 55°F and 75°F. It is essential to ensure good drainage to prevent rhizomes from rotting in cold, wet soil.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning Tall Bearded Iris 'Cordoba' includes removing spent flower stalks after blooms have faded and cutting back the leaves to a height of about 6 inches in the fall. This helps promote healthy growth and prevents disease. Pruning should be performed annually, and the best time for cutting back foliage is after the first hard frost in autumn.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    For Tall Bearded Iris such as 'Cordoba', the best soil mix is well-draining, with a pH slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7). A mixture of loamy soil with added sand and compost for fertility and drainage is ideal.

  • plantRepotting

    Tall Bearded Irises including 'Cordoba' do not require frequent repotting; they should be divided and replanted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate growth.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Tall Bearded Iris, like 'Cordoba', tolerate a wide range of humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements, but they prefer a drier climate.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Ensure bright light, cool temps, limit water to prevent rot.

    • Outdoor

      Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Iris 'Cordoba' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins its life cycle as a rhizome, which, when planted in soil, will sprout roots and green shoots. As the plant matures in the first season, it develops long, sword-like leaves and establishes a strong root system. In the following growing season, the Tall Bearded Iris produces tall stems that bear large, ornate flowers, usually blooming in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hotter months, wherein the leaves may die back and the plant conserves energy. In the autumn, the plant may exhibit new growth in preparation for the winter, but in cold climates, the foliage will die back and the rhizome will remain dormant underground. Each year the cycle repeats, with the rhizome producing more shoots and possibly dividing, which can be separated to propagate new plants.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Late Summer-Early Fall

    • The Iris 'Cordoba' (TB), often referred to as Tall Bearded Iris, is most commonly propagated by division of its rhizomes. The best time to do this is late summer, after the blooming period has ended and the plant is entering dormancy. To propagate, you carefully dig up the clumps of iris and gently separate the rhizomes—ensuring each section has at least one fan of leaves. Trim the leaves to about a third of their height, usually 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), and trim the roots to about the same length to stimulate fresh growth. The new divisions can then be replanted in well-drained soil, with the top of the rhizome slightly exposed to the air. This encourages the plant to settle well and helps to avoid rot or disease that can come with excessive moisture.

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