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Family: Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee) (Info) Genus: Iris (EYE-ris) (Info) Cultivar: Stepping Out Hybridized by Schreiner; Year of Registration or Introduction: 1964
Spacing: 12-15 in. (30-38 cm) 15-18 in. (38-45 cm) 18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness: USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F) USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F) USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F) USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F) USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F) USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F) USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F) USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F) USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F) USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun Sun to Partial Shade
Danger: Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Bloom Color: Dark Purple/Black White/Near White
Bloom Time: Late Midseason (MLa)
Foliage: Herbaceous
Other details: Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information: Non-patented
Propagation Methods: By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Seed Collecting: N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Awards (if applicable): Honorable Mention Award of Merit Dykes Memorial Medal
I thought I had this iris. I got it from a friend, who called it "Step Toes." Must not be, though, because besides the attributes listed above, it has a strong grapey scent. That's the problem with trades, you usually can't be sure about varietal names and maybe not even the correct species. Is this iris known to have a strong grape-like scent?
On Apr 21, 2006, MemphisLizzy from Memphis, TN wrote:
This is one I wouldn't ordinarily purchase from a catalogue, however, I did receive it as a trade from my friend. I traded for the much-overused-in-memphis azalea and I think I get the better trade. These iris are huge in full sun > 3 ft and only slightly shorter in part sun. They divide well and are always a cause for comment from neighbors and friends. Even when they're done blooming, they make a statement and go well with my other flowers.
On Dec 16, 2005, Joan from Belfield, ND (Zone 4a) wrote:
Awards: American Iris Society Honorable Mention '65, Award of Merit '67, Dykes Medal '68
Editor's Note
Rhizomes (thickened roots) and rootstocks, fresh or dry, of all Iris species and cultivars are poisonous if ingested. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and elevated temperature following ingestion. Some resources claim the toxic principal (irisin, iridin, irisine) only cause low toxicity if eaten.
Skin irritation can develop upon contact with seeds, rhizomes, rootstock, or cell sap.
We tend to err on the side of caution in PlantFiles, and the danger notation in the details above is to warn gardeners, parents, and pet owners to look further for more information.
On May 18, 2005, doss from Stanford, CA (Zone 9b) wrote:
'Stepping Out' is an Iris that has never needed staking in my garden. I generally don't like purple plicatas on white backgrounds but I love this one. The flower has great ruffles and substance and the very white backgound shines against the wide dark purple rim and dark purple stands. The flower is on the large side. Quite a presence in the garden. Seeing this Iris you would never guess that it was introduced 40 years ago.
On Oct 20, 2003, laurief from Deer River, MN (Zone 3b) wrote:
Very few tall beardeds (TBs) can survive my growing conditions. This northern MN zone 3b climate inflicts severe, extended cold during the winter months, often with little snow cover for insulation. Summer temps can exceed 90 degrees F. My soil is very heavy, compacted clay with a slightly acid pH. A large local deer population frequently tramples and sometimes grazes on my irises in early spring and late fall. Iris borers are present but managed successfully with a granular systemic grub control product. Weeds are abundant and only occasionally beaten back by an admittedly lazy gardener (yours truly). Fertilization is inconsistent, when provided at all. Most TBs here are growing with less than 6 hrs of sun per day, so growth and bloom are not what they could be under full sun conditions. I have lost hundreds of weaker TB cultivars over the years, so the few that have managed to survive are worthy of high praise.
STEPPING OUT is extraordinarily tough and stunningly beautiful. Its bold contrast of light and dark colors makes an undeniably striking statement in the garden. I highly recommend this cultivar.
On Jun 20, 2003, NellPercy from Ponca City, OK wrote:
38" HISTORIC Large white areas sharply patterned edges of blue-black-violet. DM 1968 Schreiner 1964
The contrast between white and the very dark edge is great. Grows and blooms well. zone 6
Regional...
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Tucson, Arizona (2 reports) Bakersfield, California El Cajon, California Stanford, California Machesney Park, Illinois Pekin, Illinois Cedar Rapids, Iowa Manhattan, Kansas (2 reports) Gardiner, Maine Hallowell, Maine Adamstown, Maryland Gladwin, Michigan Marquette, Michigan Deer River, Minnesota Robertsville, Missouri Toston, Montana (2 reports) Belfield, North Dakota Glouster, Ohio Kingston, Oklahoma Ponca City, Oklahoma Salem, Oregon Doylestown, Pennsylvania Easley, South Carolina Spartanburg, South Carolina Celina, Tennessee Greeneville, Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee Irving, Texas Weatherford, Texas Bow, Washington Pullman, Washington
One vendor has this plant for sale.
