Dwarf Iris Iris 'Bedford Lilac' (SDB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Bedford Lilac' is characterized by its striking flowers and foliage. The blooms exhibit a delicate lilac hue, with petals that may show gradations of purple shades. The flowers typically feature three drooping lower petals, known as falls, each accented with attractive white or yellow markings down the center, known as beards. The contrast of the beard adds depth and interest to the flower's appearance. The upper petals, known as standards, stand upright and can have slightly ruffled edges, giving the flower a frilly, elegant look. The foliage consists of long, slender, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a fan-like arrangement. The leaves are a fresh, green color, which provides a sharp contrast to the colorful blossoms and adds to the plant's overall vertical visual interest. Together, the flowers and foliage of the Iris 'Bedford Lilac' create a lush and vibrant display in the garden during its blooming period, which is typically in the spring. The plant’s elegant appearance and attractive color make it a popular choice for gardeners wanting to add a splash of cool-toned color and a touch of refinement to their garden beds or borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, SDB Iris, Dwarf Bearded Iris
Common names
Iris 'Bedford Lilac' (SDB).
ToxicityTo humans
The Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Bedford Lilac' is considered mildly toxic to humans. Ingestion of any part of the plant, especially the rhizomes, can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant may potentially cause skin irritation due to the presence of compounds like irisin, iridin, or other allergens.
To pets
The Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Bedford Lilac' is toxic to pets. If a pet ingests part of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, the pet may experience symptoms like drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may lead to lethargy and even more serious gastrointestinal issues. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting this plant to avoid such adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
Height
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Spread
1 foot (30 centimeters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Compact Growth: Ideal for small gardens or limited spaces.
- Spring Bloomer: Adds vibrant color early in the growing season.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive with limited water after establishment.
- Attracts Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are drawn to the flowers, assisting in pollination of nearby plants.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Less likely to be eaten by deer and rabbits compared to other plants.
- Border Planting: Suitable for edges of garden beds and walkways.
- Rock Gardens: Well-suited for use in rock gardens due to its size and soil adaptability.
- Container Gardening: Can be grown in pots, making it versatile for patios and balconies.
- Cutting Flower: Blossoms can be cut and used in floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Iris 'Bedford Lilac' can be used in dried flower arrangements due to its unique color; the blooms retain some of their color and shape when dried.
- It serves as a natural dye source; the petals of this Iris variety can be used to produce subtle lilac dyes for fabrics or papers.
- Artistic inspiration; the distinct lilac color and delicate shape of the flowers are often used as subjects or motifs in watercolor and botanical illustrations.
- Garden design thematic element; 'Bedford Lilac' is used to create color-themed garden sections or as part of a pastel color palette in landscape design.
- This Iris can be used to create a natural fence when planted in a dense row; it adds both privacy and aesthetic appeal to garden spaces.
- They can work as a natural pest deterrent due to their fragrance; some gardeners plant them among vegetables to repel certain insects.
- Educational tool for botany students; Iris 'Bedford Lilac' can be used to demonstrate hybridization and breeding techniques in horticulture classes.
- They can be used in eco-friendly burial sites as biodegradable markers that grow and mark the site with beauty rather than stone.
- Used in photography to create a soft, romantic backdrop for portraits, weddings, or other special occasions due to its soft color and texture.
- 'Bedford Lilac' can be part of companion planting; it's often used with plants that require similar growing conditions, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Faith: Irises commonly symbolize faith and hope. The strong, upright stance of iris blooms can be seen as emblematic of the human desire to remain hopeful through adversity.
- Wisdom: The iris is often associated with wisdom. This symbolism originates from Greek mythology, where the goddess Iris was a messenger who represented the connection between heaven and earth, often interpreted as a conveyance of knowledge.
- Courage: In floral language, the iris may also represent courage, inspired by its bold hues and commanding presence in the garden.
- Purity: White irises, in particular, are often symbolic of purity and innocence, but the clear, clean colors of an Iris 'Bedford Lilac' can also suggest a sense of purity.
- Royalty: The regal appearance of the Iris 'Bedford Lilac', with its rich colors, has made it a symbol of royalty and an emblem of noble bearing.
- Communication: The iris's role in mythology as a messenger has extended its symbolism to represent communication, signaling the need for clarity and the art of conveying thoughts and feelings.
WaterDwarf Bearded Iris should be watered deeply to establish strong root systems but not too frequently as they prefer slightly drier conditions. In the active growing season, watering once a week with about 1 gallon per plant is usually sufficient. During hotter, dry periods, you may increase to twice a week. Over the winter or in cooler weather, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on rainfall. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot. It's important to avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
LightDwarf Bearded Iris thrives in full sun and needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom well. The best spot for this plant is in an open area where it will receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting in areas with afternoon shade, as this can impact the flowering.
TemperatureDwarf Bearded Iris is hardy and can endure winter lows down to about -20°F, making them suitable for many climates. In terms of heat, they can tolerate temperatures up to around 90°F but may struggle with prolonged periods of extreme heat. The ideal growing conditions for this plant are daytime temperatures between 60°F and 70°F.
PruningDwarf Bearded Iris should be pruned primarily to remove spent flower stalks, which encourage disease if left on the plant. After blooming, cut the flower stalks down to the plant base. In late summer or fall, remove any dead or dying leaves to promote good air circulation. Pruning is typically done annually, and the best time for a thorough cleanup is post-bloom and before winter sets in.
CleaningAs needed
SoilStandard Dwarf Bearded Iris prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 6.8 to 7.0, rich in organic matter. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure suits them best.
RepottingStandard Dwarf Bearded Iris generally do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. They should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingStandard Dwarf Bearded Iris are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity, making them quite adaptable to typical outdoor conditions where they are grown.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in a sunny spot with well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, and adequate space.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Iris 'Bedford Lilac', commonly known as Dwarf Bearded Iris, begins with seed germination, where the seeds require a period of cold stratification to break their dormancy. Upon sprouting, seedlings establish a small root system and foliage in the form of grass-like leaves. As the plant matures, it develops rhizomes, which are underground stems from which new shoots and roots emerge. The Dwarf Bearded Iris reaches flowering maturity in one to three years, typically blooming in late spring to early summer with distinctive lilac-colored blossoms that are bearded in the center. After flowering, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, where it stores energy in the rhizomes for the next season. Finally, the plant goes dormant in the winter, with the cycle repeating the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Summer
For the Iris 'Bedford Lilac', which falls into the category of Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris (SDB), the most popular method of propagation is through division of the rhizomes. This is typically best done after flowering and up until fall. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up the clump of iris and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one or two leaf fans. After separating, the rhizomes should be trimmed back to about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), and the leaves should be cut into a fan shape at about one-third of their original height. This method allows the irises to recuperate before the winter and establish themselves in their new location or pot. Newly planted rhizomes should be spaced about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow space for growth and air circulation.
![Montbretia [Bright Eyes]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5f4a483b6.png&w=640&q=75)
