Brown Lasso Bearded Iris Iris 'Brown Lasso' (BB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Iris 'Brown Lasso' is a captivating perennial plant known for its unique and stunning flowers. Appearing in the late spring to early summer, the flowers are the most striking feature, boasting richly colored petals that are a complex mix of hues. The standards, which are the upright parts of the flower, display a lighter, often creamy tone bordering on light yellow, while the falls—the downward-curving petals—present a deep, velvety brown with intricate veining that can resemble the lasso-like patterning that gives the variety its name. The blooms may have a soft, ruffled appearance, giving them a romantic, frilly look that is quite appealing in garden displays. A bright yellow or gold beard, which is a fuzzy line in the middle of the falls, adds a touch of contrasting color that draws the eye and further enhances the flower's beauty. The foliage of the Iris 'Brown Lasso' consists of long, sword-shaped leaves that grow in a dense clump. They are typically a rich green color and can add textural contrast to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. The leaves arch gracefully and may have a slightly bluish or greyish tint depending on the light and environment. Overall, the Iris 'Brown Lasso' has a very elegant appearance with its sophisticated color palette and the structured yet delicate form of its blossoms among the orderly clumps of grass-like foliage. It is a beautiful addition to any garden setting, offering a unique and eye-catching display that is sure to garner admiration.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Brown Lasso Iris, Border Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Brown Lasso'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Brown Lasso', commonly known as the Bearded Iris, contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested. These compounds are present in all parts of the plant, including the rhizomes, which are often the most toxic part. If a person consumes any part of the Bearded Iris, they may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can also lead to skin irritation or dermatitis through handling the plant without proper gloves. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest it.
- To pets
  The Bearded Iris is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of this plant, particularly the rhizomes, they may exhibit signs of poisoning such as gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious issues like liver damage or even death if the consumed quantity is large and not treated promptly. It's crucial for pet owners to prevent their pets from accessing or chewing on Bearded Irises to ensure their safety.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Brown
- Height
  2 feet [60 cm]
- Spread
  1 foot [30 cm]
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Adds unique beauty to gardens with its distinctive brown and gold flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive in conditions with low water availability once established.
- Cold Hardiness: Resists damage from cold weather, making it suitable for planting in many climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once planted, making it ideal for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Bloom Period: Provides colorful blooms for an extended period during the growing season.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Soil Adaptability: Can thrive in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-draining.
- Perennial Growth: Returns year after year, offering long-term value in the landscape.
- Propagates Easily: Can be divided and shared with friends or used to expand garden beds.
- Versatility: Suitable for use in borders, mass plantings, and as a focal point in garden design.
- Color Variety: Contributes to diverse color schemes in garden design with its unique hues.
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
- Photography Prop – The unique 'Brown Lasso' Iris, with its rich coloration and intricate petal patterns, can be used by photographers looking for natural, eye-catching subjects to enhance the composition of garden and nature photography.
- Artistic Inspiration – The distinct appearance of this Iris can inspire artists to create botanical illustrations, paintings, or even fashion designs that capture its unique beauty.
- Theme Gardens – 'Brown Lasso' Iris can serve as an anchor plant for themed gardens, such as a 'Wild West' garden, where its name and color evoke the imagery of lassos and the rugged landscapes of cowboy country.
- Educational Tools – Botany educators can use this Iris to teach students about plant hybridization and the diversity within the genus Iris.
- Culinary Decoration – Although not typically consumed, the petals of the 'Brown Lasso' Iris could be used as an organic garnish for plating in high-end culinary presentations to add a splash of color and sophistication.
- Wedding Decor – Owing to its elegant form and color, this Iris can be included in floral arrangements, bouquets, or as part of table centerpieces at weddings or other formal events.
- Dye Production – The richly colored petals of the Iris may be used to produce natural dyes for textiles, offering an earthy and unique palette.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti – Dried 'Brown Lasso' Iris petals can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations to reduce environmental impact while adding a touch of natural beauty.
- Crafting Material – The stems, leaves, and flowers of the Iris can be incorporated into various crafts, such as handmade paper or natural wreaths.
- Perfumery – While not a common use, the subtle fragrance of 'Brown Lasso' Iris flowers may contribute to the creation of bespoke perfumes or scented products like potpourri.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Hope: Irises generally symbolize hope, reflecting the flower's ability to bring promise with its beauty and resilient nature.
- Trust: The Iris 'Brown Lasso', like other irises, is often associated with trust and valued for its dependability in returning year after year.
- Wisdom: This plant can also represent wisdom, by the virtue of its namesake—the Greek goddess Iris, who was known as a messenger and embodied wisdom and communication.
- Royalty: Irises have been linked to royalty due to their regal appearance and traditional use in royal symbols and emblems.
- Valor: The plant's striking features symbolize valor and courage, which makes it a common emblem in heraldry and awards.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Border Bearded Iris 'Brown Lasso' requires consistent moisture but does not tolerate standing water. It's best to water deeply to encourage root growth, providing about a gallon per plant every week during the active growing season, usually spring through fall. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you might need to water twice a week. Once established, the Iris 'Brown Lasso' can tolerate some drought. In the winter, reduce watering significantly to prevent root rot, especially in areas with heavy soil that retains moisture.
Light
The ideal lighting condition for a Border Bearded Iris like 'Brown Lasso' is full sun, which means it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is also acceptable, particularly in regions with very hot summers where some respite from the afternoon sun can prevent scorching. The best spot for planting is therefore an area that is sun-drenched for most of the day.
Temperature
Border Bearded Iris 'Brown Lasso' thrives in temperate climates and can endure temperatures as low as 10°F in winter and as high as 90°F in summer without adverse effects. The optimal temperature range for this iris is between 55°F and 75°F. Ensure that the plant is well mulched to help protect its rhizomes from extreme cold and to keep the root zone cool during hot spells.
Pruning
Pruning your Border Bearded Iris 'Brown Lasso' is essential for plant health and to encourage blooms. Remove spent flower stems after blooming to tidy up the plant and, in late summer or early fall, cut back the leaves to a height of about 6 inches to prepare the plant for winter and to remove any diseased or damaged foliage. Prune away any brown tips during the growing season to encourage good growth and reduce disease risks.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Border Bearded Iris 'Brown Lasso' prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A good soil mix would be equal parts loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage.
Repotting
Border Bearded Iris 'Brown Lasso' typically needs repotting every 3 to 5 years, mainly to divide the rhizomes and prevent overcrowding, which diminishes flowering.
Humidity & Misting
Border Bearded Iris 'Brown Lasso' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive, making it adaptable to typical outdoor conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light, cool temp, minimal water, and good airflow for indoor growth.
- Outdoor
  Plant in sunny spot, well-drained soil, moderate water.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Border Bearded Iris 'Brown Lasso' life cycle begins with seed germination, typically in a cold frame or stratified to prompt sprouting. The sprouted seeds develop into small plants with sword-like leaves and a rhizome, which mature over several years. Once mature, the Iris 'Brown Lasso' enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing distinctive brownish-hued blossoms that are coveted for their unique coloration and patterning. After blooming, the flowers will fade and seed pods may form, which upon maturing, will release seeds that can be collected for propagation. During the plant's dormancy period in late fall or winter, the foliage dies back, and the rhizomes store energy for the next growing season. Annual care involves dividing the rhizomes every few years to maintain plant vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer
- For the Iris 'Brown Lasso', also known as a type of Bearded Iris, the most popular method of propagation is by division. This process is typically conducted after the blooming period, usually late summer to early fall. To propagate by division, the clumps of the Bearded Iris should be carefully lifted from the ground with a garden fork or spade. The rhizomes, which are the horizontal stems from which the roots and shoots grow, will usually have multiple offshoots and can be broken apart using one's hands or cut with a knife, leaving at least one fan of leaves on each division. The divisions should then be replanted promptly, spaced about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters) apart, and the tops of the rhizomes should be slightly exposed to the sun to promote drying and prevent rot. Watering should be done sparingly until new growth appears, ensuring the soil settles around the rhizomes and the plants become established.