The ‘Toucan Tango’ Iris is a visually striking perennial known for its vibrant, unique coloration. It adds an exotic flair, transforming garden spaces with a burst of color and form.
Understanding Toucan Tango Iris
The ‘Toucan Tango’ Iris is a Tall Bearded Iris, recognized for its substantial height and distinctive “beards” on the lower petals. This variety typically reaches 36 to 38 inches (91-97 cm). Its captivating blooms display a complex “broken color” pattern: creamy white bases streaked with violet-purple, with distinct mustard yellow edges and beards, sometimes tipped with purple hairs. Blooming in midseason (late spring to early summer), it offers a slight fragrance and thrives across USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.
Planting Toucan Tango Iris
Optimal planting for ‘Toucan Tango’ Iris rhizomes is late summer to early fall, ideally six weeks before the first hard frost, allowing roots to establish before winter. A site receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is best for robust blooming. Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent rhizome rot; amend heavy clay soils with compost or gypsum to improve drainage.
When planting, dig a shallow hole (about 4 inches deep and 10 inches wide), creating a small soil mound in the center. Position the rhizome on this mound, spreading its roots downwards, ensuring the top is at or just barely above the soil surface. In very hot climates or light soils, covering the rhizome with about an inch of soil can be beneficial. Space rhizomes 12 to 24 inches apart for good air circulation and growth. After planting, firm the soil gently around the rhizome and water thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root development.
Caring for Toucan Tango Iris
Newly planted ‘Toucan Tango’ Irises require consistent moisture for about a month until roots establish. Once established, they are drought-tolerant, needing deep watering only during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering can lead to rhizome rot. Fertilization, if needed, should involve a low-nitrogen formula (e.g., 5-10-10), applied in early spring about a month before bloom, or after blooming. High-nitrogen fertilizers can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms and may increase susceptibility to rot.
Deadheading spent blooms helps maintain a tidy appearance and prevents seed formation, redirecting the plant’s energy towards rhizome development. In late fall, cut back foliage to 4-6 inches above ground and clear away debris around the rhizomes to discourage overwintering pests. To maintain vigor and consistent blooming, ‘Toucan Tango’ Iris clumps benefit from division every three to five years, typically after flowering in mid to late summer. This prevents overcrowding, which can reduce flowering and increase disease risk.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While generally resilient, ‘Toucan Tango’ Iris can encounter a few common problems. Rhizome rot, a significant concern, often results from poor drainage or planting rhizomes too deeply. Iris borers are another potential pest, with larvae tunneling into leaves and rhizomes, often leading to secondary bacterial soft rot. Removing and destroying old foliage in late fall or early spring can eliminate overwintering borer eggs. Inspecting plants in spring for initial borer activity and crushing small larvae by hand can also help manage infestations.