Miniature Tall Bearded Iris Iris 'Bangles' (MTB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Bangles' is a striking plant most commonly known for its ornamental flowers that come in an array of eye-catching colors. The remarkable thing about its flowers is the exquisite shape; they have three upright petals often referred to as standards, and three falling petals known as falls. The falls are often decorated with charming vein-like patterns or contrasting color "beards" that add to their beauty. The foliage of Iris 'Bangles' forms a sword-like, linear appearance with a bright green color. These leaves create a dense, tufted clump and provide a beautiful contrast to the colorful blooms. The leaves are somewhat stiff and upright, adding to the plant's overall structural look. Blooming typically in spring to early summer, the flowers of the Iris 'Bangles' emerge on slender, yet sturdy, stems that elegantly rise above the foliage. These blooms are not just pretty, they are also lightly scented, which can attract pollinators and add a layer of sensory appeal to gardens. As an ornamental plant, Iris 'Bangles' is appreciated for its vibrant hues which can range from deep purples and blues to lighter pastel colors, and even can include yellows and whites. The variation in colors, along with the patterned petals, makes this plant a highly sought-after addition to garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Miniature Tall Bearded Iris, Table Iris, MTB Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Bangles' (MTB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Irises, including the Iris 'Bangles' (MTB), may pose certain risks if ingested. The rhizomes (bulb-like structures) of irises contain irritating substances that can cause digestive upset such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Contact with the sap can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is advised to handle irises with care and to avoid consuming any part of the plant to prevent these adverse effects.
- To pets
  Irises, like the Iris 'Bangles' (MTB), can be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes are particularly poisonous and can cause symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea in animals like cats and dogs. It's important to keep these plants out of reach of pets to prevent poisoning and to seek veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3-9
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and unique beauty to gardens with its striking blue-purple flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Is resilient and requires minimal care once established, making it a great option for beginner gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are essential to the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Long Bloom Period: Provides a long-lasting display of flowers from late spring to early summer, with sporadic reblooming.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for water-wise landscapes.
- Cold Hardiness: Can survive in cold climates, making it a versatile choice for gardens in many regions.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Naturally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, reducing the need for protective measures.
- Versatile Planting Options: Can be planted in beds, borders, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms can be cut and used in floral arrangements, providing beauty both indoors and outdoors.
- Soil Improvement: Helps to break up heavy soils and improve drainage with its robust root system.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
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 'Bangles' can be used in edible landscapes, as their rhizomes are not typically toxic. However, it's important to ensure no pesticide or herbicide treatments have been used if considering them for culinary use.
- The blooms of the plant can serve as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from green to yellow, depending on the mordant used.
- Iris petals can be crystallized and used for decorative purposes on cakes and desserts, giving a unique and elegant touch.
- Dried Iris 'Bangles' petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding beauty and a slight fragrance to the blend.
- The strong fibrous leaves can be woven into small baskets or mats by those skilled in the craft of basket-weaving.
- Iris 'Bangles' can be planted in problem areas where soil erosion is a concern, as their rhizomes help stabilize the soil.
- Their striking form and color can be used as inspiration for artists and designers, particularly in textile and pattern design.
- These plants can be used in educational settings, such as schools and nature centers, to teach about plant biology and botany.
- As part of a sensory garden, the various textures and colors of Iris 'Bangles' can be enjoyed by those with visual impairments or sensory processing disorders.
- The flowers can be used to gently scent natural homemade cosmetics such as soaps or bath bombs, although the fragrance is subtle and may not be as pronounced as other botanicals.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Iris is often used in Feng Shui for its ability to attract good energy, promote purification, and bring a sense of growth and rebirth into a space, often recommended to be placed in the Wealth Area or Family Area to enhance these aspects of life.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Faith: The iris is often associated with faith and wisdom. It has a longstanding connection with these virtues across various cultures.
- Hope: As a colorful and vibrant flower, the iris represents hope, signifying anticipation and belief in a positive future.
- Courage: Irises have been symbols of courage and bravery, possibly stemming from their use in heraldry and their bold presence in the garden.
- Purity: The elegant form of the iris, particularly in lighter shades, can symbolize purity and innocence.
- Royalty: Due to its regal appearance and historical association with French monarchy, the iris often represents royalty or nobility.
- Wisdom: In some traditions, the iris is symbolic of wisdom, perhaps because of its dignified and impressive appearance or the translation of its name (related to the Greek word for 'rainbow' suggesting knowledge of the heavens).

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) Irises, like the 'Bangles', prefer not to be over-watered, as this can lead to root rot. They need a good soaking once a week during the growing season, especially if the weather is dry. You may reduce watering after the blooming period as these plants are somewhat drought-tolerant. Apply about one gallon of water per plant each time you water, aiming directly at the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
Light
Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) Irises, such as 'Bangles', thrive in full sun conditions to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering. They should be planted in a spot where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Filtered sunlight the rest of the day is acceptable, but too much shade can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.
Temperature
Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) Irises, including the 'Bangles', are quite hardy and prefer cooler climates but can tolerate a range of temperatures. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit, while summer temperatures should not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for these Irises is between 35 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and flowering.
Pruning
Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) Irises like 'Bangles' should be pruned to remove any dead or diseased foliage and spent flower stems to maintain plant health and appearance. Prune after blooming, usually in late spring or early summer, to prepare the plant for the next growth cycle. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, can be done throughout the blooming period to keep the plant tidy and potentially encourage more blooms.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Miniature Tall Bearded Irises like ‘Bangles’ thrive in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.8 and 7.0. A mix that combines two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost with a bit of bone meal is ideal to foster robust growth.
Repotting
Miniature Tall Bearded Irises typically don't require repotting. Instead, divide clumps every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate growth.
Humidity & Misting
Miniature Tall Bearded Irises are adaptable to various humidity levels but prefer dry conditions similar to their native habitats.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, good airflow, pot with drainage.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil, space rhizomes apart.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA.
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Iris 'Bangles' (Miniature Tall Bearded Iris) begins when a rhizome (a type of underground stem) is planted in well-draining soil, usually in late summer. The rhizome sprouts roots and foliage, developing into a clump of narrow, upright leaves. In the spring, the plant produces flower stalks above the foliage, bearing the distinct, colorful iris flowers, which can vary in color. After blooming, which can last for several weeks, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and growth, gathering energy and nutrients for the following year. As fall approaches, the foliage may die back, and the iris goes dormant during the winter months, especially in colder climates. In subsequent years, the cycle repeats with the rhizome dividing and producing new shoots, allowing the plant to spread and flourish.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: Iris 'Bangles', a type of Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) iris, reproduces most effectively through division, which is a type of vegetative propagation. This process is typically done in the late summer after the blooming period has ended, but well before the first frost to allow adequate time for the plants to become established. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the iris clumps and gently separate the rhizomes, which are the horizontal underground stems, being sure to leave one or more leaf fans attached to each section of rhizome. Each piece should have at least one healthy fan of leaves and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be replanted in a well-drained soil, ideally placing the rhizome just at or slightly below the soil surface, spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters). Encouraging rapid root development is crucial, so keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to avoid rot.