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.