Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Tall Chief' (TB)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Tall Chief' is a striking perennial plant that features showy blooms with a harmonious combination of colors. The flowers are composed of three upright petals known as "standards" and three downward-curving petals called "falls." The standards are often a soft pink or peach hue, providing an elegant contrast against the deeper, richly-colored falls that exhibit shades of red to reddish-pink, often with a velvety texture. At the base of the falls, there's an area called the "beard," which is adorned with fuzzy, caterpillar-like extensions that are typically orange to golden in color. These beards add an additional layer of interest and contrast to the flower. The leaves of the Iris 'Tall Chief' are long, slender, and sword-shaped, radiating outward from the base of the plant in a fan-like pattern. The foliage is a deep green color, serving as a perfect background that makes the stunning blooms stand out even more. Each Iris 'Tall Chief' stalk typically bears multiple blossoms, which open successively, providing an extended display of color in the garden. The overall impression of the Iris 'Tall Chief' is that of elegance and bold beauty, capable of adding a dramatic flair to any setting where they are grown.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Bearded Iris, Tall Chief Iris.
Common names
Iris 'Tall Chief' (TB).
ToxicityTo humans
Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as Iris 'Tall Chief', is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. In some people, handling the plant, especially the rhizomes, can cause skin irritation due to the presence of irritating compounds. If ingested, the most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Contact with the skin can lead to irritation, redness, and possible rash. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the plant and to use gloves when handling it to prevent skin irritation.
To pets
Tall Bearded Iris, or Iris 'Tall Chief', presents a similar level of toxicity to pets as it does to humans. Ingestion of the rhizomes is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal upset in pets, which can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. While not highly toxic, ingestion of large quantities could potentially cause more serious symptoms. It's recommended to keep pets away from the plant to avoid any potential health issues and to contact a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Iris 'Tall Chief' adds striking color and form to gardens with its tall stems and large, showy flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering in appropriate climates.
- Pollinator Attraction: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being low maintenance, with minimal needs for fertilization or pruning.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides early-season flowers, offering visual interest in the garden when many other plants are not yet in bloom.
- Deer Resistance: Iris 'Tall Chief' is generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion when planted on banks or slopes.
- Easy to Divide and Propagate: Can be easily divided to create more plants, making it a cost-effective addition to the garden.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for a variety of garden styles, including borders, mass plantings, and as a focal point.
- Cut Flower Garden Addition: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, allowing for beautiful floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Iris 'Tall Chief' can be used in art and photography, as its striking flowers and height can add visual interest and a vivid splash of color to artistic compositions.
- The plant's fibers may be used for weaving into textiles, adding a unique touch to handcrafted fabrics with the incorporation of its natural elements.
- Petals of the Tall Chief Iris can be employed in the making of natural dyes, yielding colors for fabric, paper, or artwork.
- The sturdy, tall stems make for good structural elements in floral arrangements, providing support for other flowers in mixed bouquets.
- These irises can be used in educational settings, such as botany classes, to help students learn about plant anatomy and hybridization.
- Dried Iris flowers can be incorporated into potpourri blends, adding color and a light, pleasant scent when mixed with other dried flowers and spices.
- Used as a natural pest deterrent, some gardeners plant irises to help keep certain rodents or deer away from vegetable gardens due to their slightly bitter taste and fragrance.
- The large leaves can serve as a natural wrapping material in crafts, like creating eco-friendly bouquets or wrapping for sustainable gifts.
- When planted in community parks or gardens, they can serve an educational purpose in plant labeling and identification for budding horticulturists or curious visitors.
- Iris 'Tall Chief' can be cultivated as part of a water conservation garden, as many iris species are drought resistant and can help in creating sustainable landscaping.
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: The iris often symbolizes hope, reflecting its wide range of colors and enchanting bloom as a reminder that beauty can spring forth from adversity.
- Wisdom: Named after the Greek messenger of the gods, Iris, it can represent wisdom as it was believed that this goddess connected the heavens and the Earth.
- Purity: The iris, especially in its white form, is often associated with purity, making it a common choice for bridal bouquets and spiritual ceremonies.
- Courage: The strong, upright stance of the iris bloom personifies courage and the flower is sometimes used to convey a message of bravery.
- Faith: The iris is also symbolic of faith, with its reliable blooming and longevity serving as a metaphor for steadfastness in belief.
- Royalty: In some historical contexts, the violet-blue varieties have been connected to royalty and the regal presence they hold in gardens.
WaterTall Bearded Iris requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. They should be watered deeply to encourage root development, approximately once a week, providing about one inch of water. This translates to about 0.623 gallons per square foot every seven days. Ensure that the soil has good drainage, as Iris 'Tall Chief' does not like to stay in waterlogged conditions. Increase watering frequency during prolonged dry spells, but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
LightBearded Iris, including the 'Tall Chief' variety, thrives best in full sun conditions. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom well. Plant them in a spot in your garden that receives unobstructed sunlight for the majority of the day. Avoid areas that are shaded for long periods, as this will reduce the number and quality of blooms.
TemperatureThe Tall Bearded Iris flourishes in a temperature range between 35 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of colder temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to such cold can be damaging. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering typically lies within 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These irises are hardy and adaptable to various climatic conditions within their hardiness zones.
PruningPruning Tall Bearded Iris involves removing spent flower stems down to the base of the plant to encourage new growth. After blooming, trim back the flower stalks but leave the foliage, as leaves continue to provide nourishment for next year's growth. In late fall, trim the foliage to several inches above the ground to tidy up the plant and discourage overwintering pests. Prune annually for the best plant health and bloom performance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall bearded irises thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with pH ranging from 6.8 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and some coarse sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingTall bearded irises typically do not need frequent repotting and are best divided and replanted every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and promote vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingTall bearded irises prefer moderate humidity levels; they are tolerant of most humidity conditions as long as they have good air circulation and are not waterlogged.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant tall bearded iris near a sunny window, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, plant rhizomes partly exposed.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Tall Bearded Iris 'Tall Chief' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically requiring a period of chilling to break dormancy. The seed develops into a seedling with a small rhizome, which is the plant's underground stem. As the iris grows, the rhizome produces sword-shaped leaves and eventually a flower stalk, leading to the blooming stage where the distinctive large, ruffled flowers in varying shades of pink appear, usually in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, where it stores energy in the rhizome for the next year's growth cycle. The plant can be propagated through division, typically done post-bloom to share or reinvigorate the iris clumps. Over time, without division, the clump can become crowded, leading to reduced flowering, signaling the time for the gardener to divide and replant the rhizomes, thus continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
The Iris 'Tall Chief', commonly known as the Tall Bearded Iris, is best propagated by division. The optimal time to divide and replant these irises is shortly after they have finished blooming, which is typically late summer. To propagate by division, carefully lift the iris clump from the ground using a spade or fork and gently shake off excess dirt. You'll see that the clump is made up of rhizomes, which are thick, root-like structures. These rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a clean, sharp knife, ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizome. Trim the leaves to about one third of their height, ideally to a length of 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce water loss and make the plant easier to handle. The divisions can then be replanted, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 centimeters) to allow for growth, in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
