Intermediate Bearded Iris Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred' (IB)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred'

ABOUT

Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred' presents as a striking ornamental flower with a complex display of color and form. Its petals, characteristic of irises, consist of upright standards and downward-curving falls. The standards typically boast a lighter shade, giving an elegant contrast against the more vividly colored falls. The falls may display richer hues, often accompanied by intricate veining or speckling, and a noticeable beard—a fuzzy patch in the center. The flowers themselves are bold and showy, arranged in an eye-catching display that can easily become the focal point in a garden setting. Their texture is satiny, and the blooms exude a subtle yet unmistakable fragrance that can be appreciated up close. The leaves are sword-like, creating a vertically oriented cluster of greenery that complements the flowers' vibrant display. Together, the leaves and blooms create a harmonious balance of form, with the foliage offering a steady backdrop to the flowers' theatrical presentation.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae

    • Synonyms

      Intermediate Bearded Iris, IB Iris

    • Common names

      Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred' (IB).

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      The plant in question is an iris, a genus known commonly by the same name. Irises can be toxic to humans if ingested. The rhizomes (underground stems) or bulbs are the most toxic parts. Eating irises can cause digestive distress, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling irises may cause skin irritation in some individuals due to the presence of irritating compounds.

    • To pets

      Irises are also toxic to pets, and the level of toxicity is similar to that in humans. The primary concern is with the ingestion of the rhizomes or bulbs, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. Symptoms of iris poisoning in pets may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If a pet ingests a large amount of iris plant material, it could lead to more severe symptoms, and veterinary attention should be sought.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Mixed

    • Height

      2 feet (61 cm)

    • Spread

      1 feet (30 cm)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      Varies

    • Native area

      Varies

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Value: Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its beautiful flowers and bright colors.
    • Landscape Diversity: It contributes to biodiversity by adding variety to plant life in a garden or landscape setting.
    • Pollinator Attraction: The plant is attractive to pollinators like bees, which are essential for plant reproduction and ecosystem health.
    • Low Maintenance: Irises are generally easy to care for and do not require extensive maintenance, making them suitable for gardeners at all skill levels.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, irises can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for xeriscaping or regions with water restrictions.
    • Seasonal Interest: The plant blooms in spring, providing color and interest after the winter months.
    • Soil Erosion Control: The root system of irises can help prevent soil erosion in sloped or unstable areas.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • The iris can be used in perfume production, as certain species have fragrant blooms that lend a distinctive note to floral perfumes.
    • These flowers can serve as natural dyes for fabrics and textiles, with different parts of the plant yielding various colors.
    • The fibers from iris leaves can be woven to create durable textiles and artisanal crafts such as baskets or mats.
    • Irises can be utilized in water filtration systems as they are capable of absorbing heavy metals and toxins from polluted water sources.
    • The plants may be employed in educational settings, such as botanical gardens or school projects, to illustrate plant growth and development.
    • Iris rhizomes have historically been used in the art of tincture making for perfumery and natural essences.
    • In landscape designing, the architectural nature of irises can be used to add vertical accents or to create natural borders along pathways.
    • The seeds of irises can be used for bird feed during the winter, as they provide a nutritious source when other food sources are scarce.
    • Iris flowers are popular subjects in photography and painting, capturing their intricate details and vibrant colors.
    • Deer-resistant properties of irises make them useful in gardens where deer predation is an issue, deterring them from grazing on other more sensitive plants.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Iris is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Hope: The iris often symbolizes hope, reflecting a belief that we can expect something good and positive to happen.
    • Wisdom: In some cultures, the iris is associated with wisdom and valued for its ability to convey messages of intelligence and insight.
    • Courage: The iris can represent courage, possibly due to its upright petals which can be seen as embodying a brave and fearless nature.
    • Faith: The plant is sometimes connected to faith, symbolizing trust and belief in something beyond the visible world.
    • Purity: Often in religious contexts, the iris stands for purity, particularly the white iris, which is associated with innocence and chastity.
    • Royalty: The iris can symbolize royalty and regality, possibly because of its stately appearance and the association of some iris varieties with historic royal emblems.

💧
Every 3-7 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Intermediate Bearded Iris, commonly known as Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred', prefers consistent moisture during the growing season, particularly when the buds begin to develop. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Be sure to water the soil around the roots and avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease. During dormant periods in late summer to early fall, reduce watering to help encourage the plant to rest.

  • sunLight

    Intermediate Bearded Iris requires full sun to bloom well, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a spot in the garden that receives unobstructed sunlight for optimal growth and flowering. Avoid planting in areas with dappled shade or full shade, as this will limit the plant's ability to produce vibrant blooms.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Intermediate Bearded Iris thrives in temperature conditions that range from 35°F to 90°F, making them suitable for a variety of climate zones. They can survive short periods of colder temperatures down to around 20°F. The ideal temperature for promoting growth and bloom is between 55°F and 75°F. Always ensure good drainage to prevent root rot in colder temperatures.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning, or deadheading, Intermediate Bearded Iris involves removing spent flowers to encourage additional blooming and to prevent seed formation. Cut back the flower stalks to the base after blooming, but leave the foliage intact to allow the plant to store energy for the next season. Divide and trim the rhizomes every 3-5 years, typically in late summer, to maintain plant vigor and flower quality.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with good aeration. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand enhances drainage and fertility. This iris prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ranging from 6.8 to 7.0.

  • plantRepotting

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred' should be repotted or divided every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and flowering capabilities. Repotting is best done after the blooming period, in late summer to early fall.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred' requires moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It performs well in the natural outdoor humidity fluctuations, with no need for additional humidification measures.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Ensure plenty of light and well-draining soil for indoors.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in full sun, ensure soil drainage, and space rhizomes.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred' starts its life as a seed, which upon germination grows into a seedling with its first true leaves. As it matures, it forms a rhizome, which is a horizontal stem that grows underground and stores energy for the plant. A young iris plant will grow and establish itself, developing green sword-like leaves and a strong root system over a year or two. The iris then enters its flowering stage, usually in late spring or early summer, where it produces characteristic iris flowers that come in a variety of colors depending on the cultivar. After pollination and flower fade, seed pods may form, containing seeds that can be dispersed to continue the plant's life cycle. Eventually, as the plant ages, the rhizome becomes crowded and may need to be divided to rejuvenate the plant and encourage future blooming.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • The most popular method of propagating Iris 'Acstede Nine Hundred', a type of bearded iris, is through division. Typically, this process is best done in late summer after the blooming period has finished, when the rhizomes are dormant. Firstly, the plant is dug up gently, and the soil is carefully shaken off the roots. Then the iris rhizomes are inspected, and any old or rotten parts are discarded. The healthy rhizomes are divided into sections, making sure each division has one or two leaf fans attached. The sections are then replanted at soil level, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 61 centimeters), to allow for growth and air circulation. Properly separated and replanted, these divisions will grow into new, robust iris plants.

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