Dwarf bearded iris Iris 'Cherry Garden' (SDB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Cherry Garden' is notable for its captivating blooms and striking coloration. The flowers boast a harmony of deep, rich cherry red to purple colorations, with falls (the petal-like sepals that hang down) often displaying a velvety texture, edged or highlighted with brighter or contrasting hues. The standards (the upright petals) may show a lighter or coordinating shade of the cherry or purple tone found on the falls, creating a pleasant contrast. Adding to its charm, the beards (the fuzzy parts in the center of the falls) could be a pronounced color, like bright orange or gold, providing a striking focal point against the darker petals. The leaves are typically long and sword-shaped, with a fresh green color that complements the vivid blooms. The Iris 'Cherry Garden' exudes an elegance which is further enhanced when multiple blooms open simultaneously, presenting a rich tapestry of color that can be a centerpiece in any garden display.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae.
- Synonyms
  Dwarf Bearded Iris, Miniature Bearded Iris.
- Common names
  Iris 'Cherry Garden'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Dwarf Bearded Iris generally is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, if ingested, parts of the plant, especially rhizomes, can cause mild stomach upset. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to its mild saponin content. There are no severe poisoning outcomes commonly reported for this plant in humans.
- To pets
  Dwarf Bearded Iris can be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes contain the highest amount of irisin, a substance that can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea. Cats and dogs may also show signs of abdominal pain after ingestion. It is advisable to prevent pets from consuming this plant to avoid discomfort and potential health issues.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Maroon
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Iris 'Cherry Garden' adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with their deep purple flowers and distinctive shape.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of iris is known for being hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, they can withstand periods of low water, making them suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardening.
- Pest Resistant: Irises are generally resistant to many pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Long Blooming: They have a relatively long flowering period in late spring, providing an extended display of color.
- Diversity: Can be used in a variety of garden designs, from borders to focal points, or even in containers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Irises require minimal maintenance once established, needing only occasional dividing to maintain vigor.
- Good Cut Flowers: Their blooms make for beautiful cut flower arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will return each year, providing lasting value from a single planting.
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 rich colors and unique form of the Cherry Garden Iris can inspire artists and designers seeking natural beauty for their visuals, offering a striking subject for paintings, illustrations, and textile designs.
- Edible Decoration: The petals of the Cherry Garden Iris can be used as an edible garnish on salads and desserts, adding a splash of color to culinary creations.
- Natural Dyes: The vibrant colors of the Cherry Garden Iris petals can be used to make natural dyes for fabric, yarn, and paper, providing a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Photography Prop: The striking appearance of the Cherry Garden Iris makes it an ideal subject for macro and garden photography, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of photo portfolios.
- Garden Themed Crafts: Dried Cherry Garden Iris flowers can be incorporated into homemade potpourri, sachets, and other fragrant crafts to add beauty and a subtle natural scent.
- Water Feature Companion: When planted around water features, the Cherry Garden Iris can provide a lush backdrop and enhance the overall ambiance of garden ponds and streams.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried Cherry Garden Iris petals can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing the environmental impact of events.
- Floral Arrangements: The Cherry Garden Iris's stems and blooms can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding depth and character to bouquets and centerpieces.
- Marker of Seasons: The Cherry Garden Iris can be used as a natural marker for the arrival of spring in educational settings, teaching children about plant cycles and horticulture.
- Culinary Experimentation: The blossoms of the Cherry Garden Iris can be explored for use in creative recipes, such as infusing sugars or vinegars, though it is essential to ensure they are safe and free of pesticides for consumption.

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: The iris often represents hope, inspired by its vibrant bloom that pierces the garden with color even after a long winter.
- Wisdom: Historically, the iris is associated with wisdom, an attribute that may stem from its namesake, the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger of the gods and a symbol of communication and messages.
- Trust: Gifting iris flowers can be a sign of trust, an acknowledgment of faith in someone's choices and decisions.
- Purity: The iris can symbolize purity, this could be due in part to the delicate and pristine appearance of its flowers.
- Royalty: The flower has been a symbol of royalty and regal bearing, possibly because of its standing in ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures, as well as its use in heraldry.
- Courage: Some cultures look to the iris as a symbol of courage, a testament to the flower's bold colors and upright posture.
- Faith: The iris sometimes represents faith, reflecting a belief in the unseen and a sense of hope for things to come.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Dwarf Bearded Iris should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season if there has been no significant rainfall. The soil should be well-draining to avoid waterlogging which can lead to root rot. It is generally recommended to provide about one gallon per square foot every seven days. During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly to prevent the rhizomes from rotting, especially in areas with winter precipitation.
Light
Dwarf Bearded Iris thrives in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Positioning these irises in a south-facing garden or bed will ensure they get ample sunlight necessary for vigorous growth and optimal blooming.
Temperature
Dwarf Bearded Iris is quite hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit but ideally prefer the range of 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These irises can withstand heat up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit but may struggle if temperatures rise consistently higher, which can lead to poor blooming and stress on the plants.
Pruning
Dwarf Bearded Iris should be pruned by removing spent flower stems down to the base after blooming to encourage healthy growth and potentially more blooms. Clumps should be divided every 3 to 5 years to renew vigor. The best time for division and pruning is late summer after the flowering period when plants are starting to go dormant.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Cherry Garden' thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil mix with a pH of slightly acidic to neutral, generally in the range of 6.5 to 7.0. To achieve this, mix garden soil with ample organic matter such as compost and peat moss to improve nutrition and drainage.
Repotting
Bearded Iris 'Cherry Garden' typically does not need frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. It is best to divide and repot these irises every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and promote vigorous blooming.
Humidity & Misting
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Cherry Garden' prefers outdoor conditions where it is exposed to natural humidity levels. It is not particularly demanding but generally fares well in average garden humidity, which closely simulates its natural environment.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light and good air circulation for indoor growth.
- Outdoor
  Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and space out rhizomes.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Iris 'Cherry Garden', commonly known as Dwarf Bearded Iris, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, will germinate and establish roots within a few weeks under the right conditions of soil temperature and moisture. As the seedling develops, it forms a rhizome – a horizontal stem just below the surface that stores nutrients – and foliage in the form of sword-like leaves. The plant will then enter a vegetative growth phase, concentrating on developing its root system and foliage in the spring and summer. In late spring or early summer, the Dwarf Bearded Iris produces its characteristic colorful flowers, attracting pollinators, after which it enters a period of dormancy during the colder months. During its dormancy, the plant conserves energy, with the rhizome surviving underground while the foliage dies back. As temperatures warm up the following spring, the cycle repeats with new growth emerging from the rhizomes, leading to vegetative growth and flowering in a perennial cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: The Iris 'Cherry Garden', commonly referred to as a Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, is most commonly propagated through division, which is best done in late summer after the blooming season has finished. You can propagate these irises every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and to keep the plants vigorous. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the iris clumps and gently separate the rhizomes, which are horizontal underground stems, ensuring that each section has at least one fan of leaves. Trim the leaves to about a third of their height, which is typically 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to prevent water loss and make handling easier. Replant the divisions at least 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart, setting the rhizome just below the surface of the soil, with the roots spread out underneath. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method ensures healthy growth and the continuation of the plant's cycle with minimal intervention.