Dwarf Iris Iris 'Captive Sun' (SDB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Captive Sun' (SDB) is a strikingly beautiful plant known for its captivating flowers. These flowers boast a unique color palette that typically combines warm tones of orange and gold. The petals are characterized by their delicate yet intricate veining, which adds texture and depth to the blooms. The falls, which are the downward-curving segments of the flower, exhibit a contrasting hue or a bold splash of color, often with a lighter area near the base called a signal. The standards, the upright petals, complement the falls and complete the flower's elegant form. The foliage of Iris 'Captive Sun' forms a clump of sword-like leaves. These leaves are usually a rich green color, creating a striking contrast against the vibrant blossoms. The plant exudes a fresh, grassy fragrance that adds another layer to its appeal. Despite the absence of size-related specifics, Iris 'Captive Sun' carries all the trademark qualities of its species, presenting a showy display that is both eye-catching and enchanting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Captive Sun Iris, Dwarf Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Captive Sun' (SDB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Captive Sun', commonly known as the Dwarf Bearded Iris, is considered mildly toxic if ingested. The primary toxic component is the rhizome, or the root, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in more severe cases, diarrhea. Handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation due to its irritating sap. It is advised to avoid consuming any parts of the Dwarf Bearded Iris and to wear gloves when handling them to prevent skin irritation.
- To pets
  The Dwarf Bearded Iris presents toxicity concerns for pets as well. Ingesting the rhizomes of the Iris 'Captive Sun' can cause symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea in pets. The foliage may also cause mild stomach upset if consumed. It is important to keep pets away from this plant, especially the rhizomes, and to seek veterinary care if your pet shows signs of poisoning after ingesting any part of the Dwarf Bearded Iris.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  1 feet (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 feet (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  4
- Native area
  Cultivar

Benefits

General Benefits
- Easy to Grow - The Iris 'Captive Sun' is known for being a hardy plant that is fairly easy to grow and care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it has good drought tolerance, which means it requires less watering and can survive in drier conditions.
- Attracts Pollinators - It attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which help in the pollination of other plants in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest - This iris provides bright floral color in the landscape during its blooming season, which can add visual interest to the garden.
- Compact Size - As a standard dwarf bearded iris, it remains compact, making it ideal for smaller gardens or borders without taking up too much space.
- Low Maintenance - The Iris 'Captive Sun' does not require a lot of maintenance, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer low-maintenance gardening.
- Deer Resistance - It is typically resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer feeding on plants is an issue.
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
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique coloration of the Dwarf Iris can inspire artists and designers, influencing their work in paintings, textiles, or interior designs.
- Photography Subject: Its striking appearance makes the Dwarf Iris a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of flowers and create vibrant portfolios.
- Education: Botanical gardens and schools may use the Dwarf Iris as an example to teach students about plant genetics, hybridization, and horticultural practices.
- Culinary Garnish: While not commonly eaten, the petals of the Dwarf Iris can be used as a decorative, non-toxic garnish for upscale culinary dishes.
- Dye Production: Historically, some irises have been used to make natural dyes, and the Dwarf Iris could potentially offer unique shades for textiles or crafts.
- Ice Cubes: Freezing petals of the Dwarf Iris in ice cubes can create visually stunning additions to signature cocktails or punches at special events.
- Fragrance Inspiration: Perfumers may use the Dwarf Iris’s scent profile as inspiration to develop new fragrances for perfumes or scented products.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried Dwarf Iris flowers can be included in potpourri mixes to add color and a light fragrance to a room.
- Garden Mulch: After they have bloomed and faded, the leaves and stems of the Dwarf Iris can be composted and used as a mulch for garden beds, providing nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
- Wedding Decor: The Dwarf Iris can be used in wedding bouquets or as part of the floral arrangements for a unique, thematic touch to a spring wedding.

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
- Hope & Faith: Irises often symbolize hope and faith due to their lush and vibrant blooms that rise on tall stalks, signifying optimism and believing in the future.
- Wisdom: In Greek mythology, Iris was the messenger of the gods and a personification of the rainbow, leading to the association of the flower with wisdom and conveying messages.
- Courage: The iris can represent courage because of its bold presence and ability to grow in a variety of conditions, reflecting the strength to face challenges.
- Purity & Innocence: The delicate shape and gentle hues of some irises convey a sense of purity and innocence, often used in religious contexts or spiritual symbolism.
- Royalty: The iris, particularly the purple varieties, is often associated with royalty and nobility, partly due to its regal appearance and past use in royal emblems.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Dwarf Bearded Iris should be watered deeply to encourage deep rooting, with about half a gallon per plant being sufficient per watering session. During the growing season, water once a week if there is no significant rainfall. During hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice a week. However, be cautious not to overwater, as irises prefer not to sit in waterlogged soil. Watering should be reduced after blooming and in the fall, as the plants enter dormancy.
Light
Dwarf Bearded Iris thrives in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate very light shade, but too much shade can reduce blooming. For best performance, plant your iris in a spot where it will receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature
Dwarf Bearded Iris is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from about 14°F to 86°F. However, they perform best when the temperature is between 55°F and 75°F. They are resilient to cold and can withstand winter temperatures in many regions without the need for additional protection.
Pruning
Prune Dwarf Bearded Iris by removing spent flower stalks at their base after blooming to improve plant appearance and prevent seed development. In late summer or early fall, cut back the green leaves to about 6 inches to minimize overwintering diseases and pests. Pruning should be done annually to maintain plant health and vigor.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The ideal soil mix for Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, such as 'Captive Sun', should be well-draining, with some organic matter like compost mixed in. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.8 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
Repotting
Standard Dwarf Bearded Irises, including 'Captive Sun', typically don't need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be divided and repotted every 3-5 years to maintain vigour and flower production.
Humidity & Misting
Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Captive Sun' prefers moderate humidity levels, but it's more tolerant of drier conditions than high humidity. Ensure good air circulation to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, direct light and ensure good air flow.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; divide every 3-5 years.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Captive Sun', also known as a type of Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in late winter to early spring when the soil is moist and temperatures begin to rise. The seedling develops into a young plant with foliage and a small rhizome, which is the storage organ that fuels growth. Throughout the growing season, the iris develops more leaves and a stronger rhizome, which eventually leads to flowering in late spring to early summer, showcasing vibrant yellow and blue blooms that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant focuses on energy storage, strengthening the rhizome for the next growing season. In late summer to early fall, gardeners may divide mature rhizomes to propagate new plants. Finally, the iris enters dormancy in winter, when the above-ground foliage dies back, but the rhizome remains alive underground, ready to restart the cycle in the coming spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer
- Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Iris 'Captive Sun', a variety of Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, is by division. This should be done after the flowering season has finished, generally late summer to early fall. Division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that have become overcrowded and also provides new plants. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of irises out of the ground using a garden fork, gently shaking off excess soil without damaging the roots. Then, using a sharp knife, separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has a fan of leaves and a healthy section of roots. Trim the leaves to about a third of their height, or approximately 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm), to reduce water loss and make the plant easier to handle. Replant the divisions promptly, setting the rhizome just at or slightly below the soil surface and water well to establish.