Cranbrook Intermediate Bearded Iris Iris 'Cranbrook' (IB)

Names

• Family

  Iridaceae

• Synonyms

  Cranbrook Intermediate Bearded Iris

• Common names

  Iris 'Cranbrook'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Irises contain compounds such as irisin, iridin, or irisine which can be toxic when ingested. Although they are primarily ornamentals and not usually consumed, accidental ingestion can cause digestive discomfort. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the plant can sometimes lead to skin irritation due to its mild toxicity.

• To pets

  Irises can be toxic to pets if ingested. The most toxic part is the rhizome, but all parts of the plant can potentially cause symptoms of poisoning. These symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain. Pet owners should ensure that their pets do not consume any part of iris plants to prevent the possibility of toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Bulb

• Hardiness zones

  3-9

• Native area

  Northern hemisphere

General Benefits

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• Ornamental Appeal: Adds stunning visual interest to gardens with its distinctive flowers and sword-like foliage.
• Drought Resistance: Once established, boasts a remarkable ability to withstand dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic planting and occasional dividing, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
• Cold Hardy: Can survive in colder climates, making it a suitable perennial for a variety of growing zones.
• Attracts Pollinators: Flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, aiding in the health of the garden ecosystem.
• Soil Adaptability: Tolerant of a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining soils, making it a versatile addition to any landscape.
• Propagation Ease: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
• Varied Blooming Times: Depending on the cultivar, some irises can bloom from spring to summer, offering extended periods of color and interest.

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

• The tall and sturdy stems of Iris 'Cranbrook' can be used in basket weaving to create unique, decorative items for the home.
• The flowers can be pressed and included in personal diaries or scrapbooks as a method of preserving memories from a garden.
• The rhizomes can be dried and used in potpourri mixes to add a subtle, earthy fragrance to a room.
• Pigments extracted from Iris 'Cranbrook' petals can be used in natural dyeing processes for fabrics, yielding unique colors.
• The plant can serve as a living mulch in garden beds, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture when planted densely.
• Iris 'Cranbrook' can be planted in rain gardens as they can tolerate wet conditions and help in rainwater absorption and filtration.
• The petals can be used in the creation of eco-friendly confetti for weddings or celebrations, degrading naturally when left outdoors.
• The blooms can be used to decorate food dishes or drinks as an ornamental edible garnish, though consumption should be in moderation due to potential irritants.
• The strong and straight stems of the Iris 'Cranbrook' could potentially be used as natural supports for other plants in the garden.
• The distinctive form and color of Iris 'Cranbrook' can be used in photography as a natural backdrop or subject for still-life compositions.

Feng Shui

The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Iris is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Royalty: The Iris 'Cranbrook' shares the same symbolism of royalty as other iris varieties, primarily because of its royal purple color which has been historically associated with kingship and sovereign authority.
• Wisdom and Valor: Irises are often associated with wisdom and courage. In Greek mythology, Iris was a messenger goddess who symbolized communication between heaven and earth, often linked with knowledge and heroism.
• Faith and Hope: The iris flower is also a symbol of faith and hope, due to its resilience and the way its blossoms trustingly open up to the sky.
• Purity: The exquisite and delicate nature of the Iris 'Cranbrook' bloom can also represent purity and innocence, a common symbolism for many white or lightly-colored flowers.
• New Beginnings: The iris is a harbinger of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal that comes with the changing of seasons. Its bloom signifies the fresh start represented by springtime.