Species tall bearded iris Guide
Purple flower with yellow-white anthers and blue filaments.

tall bearded iris

Iris 'Sable Night'

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Black-violet Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

purple,black

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Tall bearded iris (Iris 'Sable Night') should be watered deeply once a week, or 2-3 times a week during periods of high heat and stress. Water should reach the base of the plant in order to ensure the roots are getting enough moisture. During late winter and early spring, when the plant is growing actively, it may need to be watered more frequently. It is particularly important to ensure that the plant gets adequate water during the flowering period. Allow the soil to become slightly dry between watering to help prevent fungal diseases.

sunlight

The tall bearded iris (Iris 'Sable Night') enjoys moderate sunlight and appreciates a mostly sunny exposure throughout the day. It should be planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sun every day during the growing season. Too little sunlight may prevent blooming and reduce the vigor of the plant. If the area receives intense, direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, some afternoon shade would be beneficial. It is important to remember that the Sable Night Iris does not do well in high-shade areas, so it is essential to choose a location with plenty of sun exposure.

pruning

Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Sable Night') should be pruned once a year after the flowering cycles have finished, generally in late July or August. Pruning should focus mainly on removing any over-mature and/or dead leaves and flower stalks, cutting them down to the base of the plant. It is also recommended to remove any stalks that are discolored or infected as well, so as to stop the spread of any potential disease. To encourage future growth and flowering, trim back the leaves and stalks just above a growth node - where a set of healthy green leaves have formed - to a maximum of approximately 1-third the original plant height. Be sure to avoid removing too much of the foliage as this could damage the iris, and it is wise to provide mulch or compost around the iris if needed.