Bearded Iris Iris 'Godfrey Owen' (TB)

Water

For the Tall Bearded Iris 'Godfrey Owen', water the plant deeply to ensure the soil is moist to a depth of about 10 inches. During the active growing and blooming season, usually in spring and summer, water approximately every week, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant. Reduce watering after bloom season and in cooler months to every two weeks, unless the weather is particularly dry or hot. Always allow the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering and root rot.

Light

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Godfrey Owen' thrives best in full sun. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom properly. Place the plant in a spot where sunlight is abundant throughout the day, such as a south-facing garden for optimal growth and flower production.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for the Tall Bearded Iris 'Godfrey Owen' is between 35°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to 5°F. During the growing season, a daytime temperature of around 70°F and a slight drop at night are favorable for this iris variety.

Pruning

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Godfrey Owen' should be pruned by removing spent flowers immediately after blooming to maintain appearance and prevent seed formation. In late fall or early winter, when the plants go dormant, cut foliage back to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. This helps prevent disease issues and prepares the plant for new growth in the spring. Clean up any plant debris to minimize iris borer problems.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tall Bearded Irises like 'Godfrey Owen' thrive best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal, providing good drainage and fertility. It's important to avoid heavy, clay-rich soils that can retain too much water and potentially lead to rot.

Repotting

Tall Bearded Irises, such as 'Godfrey Owen,' typically do not require frequent repotting and are often divided every 3 to 5 years. Dividing and replanting the rhizomes in fresh soil helps to rejuvenate the plant and encourage vigorous growth and blooming.

Humidity & Misting

Tall Bearded Irises like 'Godfrey Owen' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements. They are generally more concerned with proper soil drainage and sunlight than with the humidity of their environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and cool indoor atmosphere.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space rhizomes apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Iris 'Godfrey Owen', commonly known as Bearded Iris, begins its life as a rhizome, which is a type of bulb-like structure. It will sprout roots and shoots, with the shoots developing into the plant's distinctive leaves. The Bearded Iris typically enters a phase of vegetative growth, building up energy and nutrients necessary for flowering. Following this period, it will produce tall stems bearing ornate and colorful flowers in late spring to early summer, depending on the climate. After blooming, the flowers will wilt and seed pods may form, which can disperse seeds that can grow into new plants, although propagation is more commonly achieved by dividing the rhizomes. Once flowering is complete, the plant will focus on storing energy in the rhizome for the next growth cycle, and the foliage may die back in winter, especially in colder climates, before the cycle starts anew in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to autumn

• Propogation: The Iris 'Godfrey Owen', a tall bearded iris, is commonly propagated through division, which is best done in late summer after the flowers have faded and the plant is dormant. This method involves carefully digging up the clump of iris rhizomes and gently separating them into smaller pieces, each with at least one fan of leaves and healthy roots. Trim the leaves to about a third of their original height, or about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce moisture loss and make handling easier. Plant the divided rhizomes at the surface of the soil, with the roots spread out underneath, and water them in well. This technique allows for the rejuvenation of the plant and helps to prevent overcrowding, ensuring vitality and a continued display of blooms in the following seasons.