Iris ‘Blue Trill’: A Fragrant Beauty with Captivating Blue Blooms
Iris ‘Blue Trill’ or Blue Trill Tall Bearded Iris is a stunning tall bearded iris introduced by Paul Black in 2010. With its medium blue petals and paler blue-white falls this iris variety exhibits a mesmerizing color combination. The beards of ‘Blue Trill’ are medium blue, adding exquisite detail to the flowers. Notably, the blooms of this iris emit a pronounced sweet fragrance, enhancing the sensory experience in the garden.
Reaching a height of about 39 inches, Iris ‘Blue Trill’ graces the landscape with its striking beauty during the early to late season. As a hardy iris, it can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. It is part of the Iridaceae family of plants. One of its remarkable characteristics is its ability to rebloom, providing multiple bursts of floral display throughout the season.
Characteristics and Description of Iris ‘Blue Trill’:
Iris ‘Blue Trill’ is a captivating iris variety with distinct characteristics that make it a standout in any garden. It reaches a height of approximately 39 inches (99 cm), showcasing medium blue flowers with paler blue-white falls. The allure of ‘Blue Trill’ lies in its self-colored blooms, where the standards and falls share the same captivating hue, creating a harmonious and visually striking display. Adding to its charm, the flowers of ‘Blue Trill’ emit a pronounced sweet fragrance, further enhancing its appeal.
This iris variety is a rebloomer, offering the opportunity to enjoy its beautiful blooms multiple times throughout the growing season. With a hardiness zone rating of 3-9, ‘Blue Trill’ can thrive in a wide range of climates, bringing its captivating beauty to gardens across various regions. Whether planted in borders, beds, or mixed flower arrangements, ‘Blue Trill’ stands as a testament to the diverse and captivating nature of the iris family.
While the specific flowering time may vary depending on local climate and growing conditions, ‘Blue Trill’ generally tends to bloom earlier in warmer climates and later in cooler climates. This adaptable and enchanting iris variety promises to add a touch of elegance and allure to any garden, offering a delightful sensory experience with its stunning blooms and sweet fragrance.
Cultivation of Iris ‘Blue Trill’:
Iris ‘Blue Trill’ is a relatively easy iris to care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. To ensure its optimal performance, consider the following cultivation guidelines:
Planting: Plant Iris ‘Blue Trill’ in well-drained soil during the spring or fall. The soil should be slightly acidic, and incorporating compost or other organic matter can improve its quality. Plant the iris at a depth of approximately 3 inches and space the bulbs around 12 inches apart.
Sunlight: ‘Blue Trill’ thrives in full sun, which will maximize its growth and flowering potential. However, it can still bloom in half-day shade.
Watering: Regular watering is crucial for Iris ‘Blue Trill’, particularly during hot and dry weather. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, as soggy conditions can lead to root rot.
Soil: ‘Blue Trill’ prefers well-drained soil with good fertility. It is tolerant of dry conditions once established but intolerant of swampy or waterlogged conditions. The pH level should ideally range from neutral to slightly basic (6.1 to 8.5), although this iris cultivar can tolerate more extreme pH levels.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. A fertilizer with a high phosphorus content can specifically encourage blooming.
Pruning:
‘Blue Trill’ iris does not require extensive pruning. Simply remove any dead or damaged leaves and flowers as needed to maintain its appearance and health.
Protection from Pests and Diseases: While ‘Blue Trill’ is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, it may be susceptible to iris borers and iris leaf spots. Control iris borers by treating the plant with an appropriate insecticide. For iris leaf spots, remove infected leaves and consider applying a fungicide to protect the plant.
Winter Protection: Iris ‘Blue Trill’ is a hardy iris that can tolerate cold winters. However, to protect the roots from potential frost damage, it is advisable to mulch the plant with a few inches of organic matter in the fall.
Propagation:
Iris ‘Blue Trill’ can be propagated through division or seed.
Division: Divide ‘Blue Trill’ in the fall or spring by carefully digging up the plant. Use a sharp knife to divide the rhizome into several sections, ensuring that each division has at least three fans of leaves. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil, watering them thoroughly.
Seed: Sow ‘Blue Trill’ iris seeds in well-drained soil during the fall or spring. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which may take several weeks. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to approximately 6 inches apart to allow proper growth and development.
Iris ‘Blue Trill’ stands as a fragrant beauty that captivates with its medium blue blooms and delicate fragrance. With its reblooming capability and adaptability to various climates, it is an excellent choice for any garden. Enjoy the elegance and charm of Iris ‘Blue Trill’ as it adds a touch of enchantment to your outdoor space.