Iris Iris 'Apricot Drops' (MTB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Apricot Drops' is a captivating plant known for its unique and attractive flowers. The blooms of 'Apricot Drops' are particularly stunning, featuring a soft palette of pastel colors that blend together harmoniously. Each flower showcases a delightful apricot hue that is softly diffused into lighter shades, somewhat like the gentle fade of a sunset. The petals have a delicate and graceful appearance, with the upper segments arching elegantly upwards, while the lower parts may hang or curl with a sense of gentle movement. The falls, which are the lower spreading petals, often have a gentle ruffling along their edges and may exhibit a slight iridescence or sheen. Intricate veining or speckling may be present, adding an additional layer of complexity and charm to the flower's overall appearance. Contrasting with the soft apricot tones, a bright beard—often in shades of yellow or orange—runs down the center of each fall, adding a striking highlight that draws the eye and emphasizes the blossom's unique shape. The foliage of Iris 'Apricot Drops' consists of long, sword-shaped leaves that grow upright and form dense clumps. The leaves are a deep green color, which provides a strong visual contrast to the light, pastel colors of the flowers, making the blooms stand out even more in the garden. These leaves may have a slightly arching habit, creating a fountain-like effect that adds to the plant's overall elegance. When in bloom, 'Apricot Drops' becomes a breathtaking display of color and form, with each flower contributing to a tapestry of apricot warmth that can add a soft, romantic touch to any garden setting. The blooms produce a mild, pleasing fragrance that is subtle and not overpowering, making them a delightful addition not just visually, but also to the sensory experience of a garden. Overall, Iris 'Apricot Drops' is a beautiful and elegant plant that is cherished by gardeners for its enchanting flowers and the soft, dream-like quality they bring to the landscape.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Apricot Drops Miniature Tall Bearded Iris, Apricot Drops MTB Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Apricot Drops'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Apricot Drops' or more commonly just known as the Iris, is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. If ingested, the plant can cause some symptoms of poisoning due to its irritant properties, especially from the rhizomes. These symptoms may include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the plant and to seek medical attention if symptoms occur after accidental ingestion.
- To pets
  The Iris 'Apricot Drops', widely recognized simply as Iris, is also toxic to pets. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, can lead to symptoms of poisoning in animals such as cats and dogs. These symptoms may include gastrointestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea typically observed. If a pet consumes any part of an Iris, it is essential to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible to receive appropriate care and to prevent more severe health issues.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Apricot
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Iris 'Apricot Drops' brings vibrant color to gardens with its apricot-hued blossoms, providing visual interest and enhancing landscape beauty.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, requiring less water than many other garden plants.
- Ease of Care: It is known for being low-maintenance, not needing regular fertilization or special care to thrive.
- Cold Hardy: Being cold hardy, it can survive in colder climates and is capable of enduring winter conditions without significant damage.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Compact Growth: As a Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) iris, it remains relatively small and compact, making it suitable for gardeners with limited space or for use in border planting.
- Propagation: Can be propagated through division, allowing gardeners to easily increase their stock and share plants with others.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a long blooming season compared to some other perennials, providing extended color in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: It is resistant to browsing by deer, which helps to preserve its appearance and health in areas where deer are a common garden pest.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Iris 'Apricot Drops' can be used in floral perfumery due to its light, sweet fragrance, adding an apricot-like note to perfume blends.
- The petals of Iris 'Apricot Drops' have historically been used in the art of flower pressing, creating ornamental designs for framed artwork, bookmarks, and cards.
- Due to their vibrant colors, the blooms can be floated in decorative bowls of water as a simple, elegant table centerpiece.
- The strong, straight stems of the Iris 'Apricot Drops' make them suitable for creating living fences or garden borders when planted in a continuous line.
- In photography and painting, the flower serves as a popular subject for artists and photographers looking to capture their unique apricot-pink color and delicate form.
- Iris petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding subtle hues that can be used in textile arts and crafts.
- The blossoms can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, contributing both color and a mild fragrance to the mixture.
- Gardeners may use the distinctive leaves and blooms as part of a sensory garden, where the plant's texture and scent contribute to the overall experience.
- Iris 'Apricot Drops' can be used in educational settings, such as school gardens, to teach students about plant biology and hybridization.
- The mature seedpods can be dried and used in decorative arrangements or as part of craft projects, such as making seed bead jewelry.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Royalty - Iris is often associated with royalty due to its regal appearance and its history, where it was used to symbolize French kings.
- Wisdom - In Greek mythology, Iris is the name of the goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods, making it a symbol of communication and wisdom.
- Hope - The iris can be a symbol of hope due to its vibrant bloom and the fact that it is often one of the first flowers to appear in spring.
- Faith - Irises may represent faith, as they have been depicted in religious artwork and associated with divine messages.
- Valor - The iris may also represent bravery and valor, with its sword-shaped leaves reminiscent of a warrior's blade.
- Purity - The clear, crisp colors of the iris can signify purity, often used in religious or spiritual contexts.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer - Fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For an Apricot Drops Miniature Tall Bearded Iris, regular watering is essential for optimal growth, especially during the growing season. The plant should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that water reaches the roots, about once a week or more frequently during extremely hot or dry conditions. Aim to provide about one inch of water each week, but adjust according to local rainfall and soil drainage. During the dormant season, reduce watering, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry. Make sure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Light
The Apricot Drops Miniature Tall Bearded Iris requires full sun to bloom properly, making it ideal to plant in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is tolerated, especially in extremely hot climates, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms. Ensure it's placed in a location with bright, unfiltered light for the majority of the day to encourage strong, healthy growth.
Temperature
The Apricot Drops Miniature Tall Bearded Iris tolerates a wide range of temperatures but thrives best when daytime temperatures are between 68°F and 86°F. It can survive in temperatures as low as 14°F in winter and as high as 95°F in summer, but prolonged extremes can be detrimental. For optimal growth and blooming, aim to maintain an environment within this ideal temperature range.
Pruning
Pruning an Apricot Drops Miniature Tall Bearded Iris involves removing spent blooms and dead foliage. This task is generally done after the blooms have faded to enhance the garden's appearance and prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Pruning should also be done annually, typically in late summer or early fall, to remove and discard any damaged or diseased leaves and to trim back foliage to about 6 inches above ground level in preparation for winter.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Miniature Tall Bearded Iris, commonly referred to as MTB Iris, thrives best in a well-draining, loamy soil mix with moderate fertility. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range, around 6.5 to 7, is ideal for 'Apricot Drops'. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to enhance soil structure and water retention while ensuring good drainage.
Repotting
Miniature Tall Bearded Irises like 'Apricot Drops' do not require frequent repotting and generally should be divided and repotted every 3-5 years. The best time to repot and divide these irises is shortly after their blooming period, in late summer.
Humidity & Misting
Miniature Tall Bearded Irises such as 'Apricot Drops' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and do not require specific humidity levels to thrive. They are adaptable to the atmospheric humidity found in most temperate climates where they are typically grown.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright light, ensure good air flow, water sparingly.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, space them 12-24 inches apart.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Apricot Drops', a variety of Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) iris, begins its life cycle with seed germination, after which the seedling develops into a young plant with a rhizome and first leaves. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase where foliage increases and roots become more established. This is followed by the reproductive stage where the iris blooms, usually displaying its distinctive apricot-colored flowers in late spring or early summer. After flowering, the plant sets seeds within capsules that, if not deadheaded, mature by late summer and can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow. Post-reproduction, the iris enters a period of dormancy, with the foliage dying back in the fall and remaining dormant through the winter, drawing energy from the rhizome to survive. As temperatures warm in the spring, the iris re-emerges from dormancy, beginning the cycle anew with fresh growth before heading towards the next blooming period.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer - Fall
- The most popular method of propagation for the Iris 'Apricot Drops', a type of Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) iris, is by division of its rhizomes. This process is ideally done after the flowering period, late in summer or early fall when the plant is dormant. To propagate, carefully dig up the iris clump and wash off the dirt to reveal the rhizomes. Using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes so that each section has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of roots. Trim the leaves to about a third of their height, approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce water loss and make handling easier. Replant the divided rhizomes immediately, setting them so the top of the rhizome is slightly below the soil surface and spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plantings well to help establish them.