Spuria Iris Iris 'Falcon's Crest' (Spuria)
ABOUT
Iris 'Falcon's Crest' is a type of Spuria Iris, characterized by its striking flowers and foliage. The blooms have a refined appearance with a unique color palette. The flowers showcase a blend of colors, often with deep purples, bronze hues, and yellow accents on the falls—the petal-like structures that hang down. The blooms are further adorned with intricate veining or spotting, giving each petal a detailed and distinctive look. These flowers are typically large and showy, arranged in an elegant display atop sturdy, upright stems that emerge from a clump of grass-like, green leaves. The leaves themselves have a sword-shaped form, creating an attractive vertical element in the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. Subtle color variations may occur within individual plants, lending a sense of uniqueness to each specimen. Overall, Iris 'Falcon's Crest' imparts a sense of stateliness and grace wherever it is planted, with its exquisite flowers being the focal point of its ornamental appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Falcon's Crest Iris, Spuria Iris
Common names
Iris 'Falcon's Crest'
ToxicityTo humans
The Spuria Iris, like other members of the Iris genus, contains compounds that can be toxic when ingested. Though primarily an issue if large quantities are consumed, ingesting parts of this plant can cause gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Additionally, the rhizomes (bulb-like structures) contain higher concentrations of these compounds and can potentially lead to more severe digestive distress if eaten. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions to some individuals.
To pets
The Spuria Iris poses a risk to pets if ingested, as it contains irritant substances, particularly concentrated in the rhizomes. Consumption of any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea, and in some cases, abdominal pain. Like humans, pets can also experience irritation or an allergic reaction from contact with the plant. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Iris 'Falcon's Crest' adds aesthetic value to gardens with its striking flowers and tall, elegant foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is relatively drought-resistant, requiring less water once established, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care aside from occasional watering and the removal of spent blooms, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking low-effort plants.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms of Iris 'Falcon's Crest' attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial for gardeners in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Seasonal Interest: With its blooming period, it provides a seasonal highlight in the garden, typically offering interest in late spring to early summer.
- Soil Adaptability: This iris is adaptable to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Border and Specimen Plant: It can be used effectively as a border plant or as a solitary specimen, providing structure and height to garden designs.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, allowing for beautiful indoor arrangements that can accentuate the home.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Spuria Iris can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of colors from yellow to green depending on the part of the plant used.
- Its fibrous leaves can be woven into baskets or mats, exploiting the plant's structural properties.
- The long, sturdy stems of the Spuria Iris can serve as natural plant stakes in the garden, supporting other plants.
- Spuria Iris can be used in perfumery, as some varieties have a pleasing fragrance which can be distilled into scented oils.
- The plant can act as a pond or water garden accent, even when not in bloom, due to its striking foliage.
- Dried seed pods of the Spuria Iris can be used in floral arrangements, adding an exotic and textural element.
- As a natural indicator plant, the Spuria Iris's preference for certain soil conditions can inform gardeners about soil quality in their garden.
- Pressing Spuria Iris blooms can create botanical artwork, preserving the plant's beauty long after its blooming season.
- The roots of the Spuria Iris may be used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on banks or slopes in a garden setting.
- The plant can serve as a natural way to delineate spaces in a garden, due to its height and dense clumping habit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The iris often signifies hope, reflecting its ability to bloom beautifully after a cold winter.
- Wisdom: It is associated with wisdom, harking back to the Greek goddess Iris who was a messenger for the gods and embodied the connection between heaven and earth.
- Faith: The iris carries a meaning of faith, representing belief in the unseen and trust in the universe's process.
- Courage: Historically, the iris symbolizes courage and admiration, likely due to its bold colors and strong growth habit.
- Purity: In some contexts, the iris is a symbol of purity and innocence, particularly in its white variety.
- Royalty: The fleur-de-lis, a stylized iris, has been a symbol of royalty, notably in France, signifying divinity, sovereignty, and regal dignity.
WaterWater your Spuria Iris deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant, ensuring that the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the active growth period in the spring and early summer, increase watering frequency to support the plant's needs. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, additional watering may be necessary to maintain soil moisture levels. Reduce watering after flowering as the plant goes dormant, especially in the fall and winter months, to prevent root rot.
LightSpuria Iris thrives in full sun where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant it in a location where it's exposed to bright and unobstructed light for most of the day to ensure healthy growth and plentiful blooms. Avoid overly shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and an increased susceptibility to disease.
TemperatureThe Spuria Iris can tolerate a broad range of temperatures but performs best at temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. During dormancy in winter, they can survive minimum temperatures down to 10°F, while in summer, they manage in temperatures up to 90°F. Ideal growth occurs within this temperature range, ensuring the plant's overall health and bloom quality.
PruningPrune Spuria Iris after it finishes blooming by removing any spent flower stalks to encourage healthy growth and prevent seed formation. In late fall, as the plant enters dormancy, cut back the foliage to a height of about 4 to 6 inches. This annual pruning will help maintain the plant's shape, stimulate new growth in the spring, and reduce the chance of disease.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Spuria Iris should be well-draining, loamy, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporate organic matter such as compost to enrich the soil and ensure good fertility.
RepottingSpuria Iris, also known as Iris 'Falcon's Crest', typically does not need frequent repotting. These plants can thrive for several years in the same location before being divided or repotted.
Humidity & MistingSpuria Iris prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the drier conditions commonly found in outdoor garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and good air circulation for indoor Spuria Iris.
Outdoor
Plant in sunlit area with well-drained soil for outdoor Spuria Iris.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Spuria iris, specifically the Iris 'Falcon's Crest', begins with seed germination, which occurs when environmental conditions are favorable, including adequate moisture and temperature levels. Following germination, the seedling develops roots and shoots as it transforms into a young plant. As it matures, the young Spuria iris will develop a rhizome, which is an underground stem, and through this, it creates a clump of foliage above ground. The plant eventually reaches the flowering stage, with the characteristic tall, slender stems and beautiful blooms appearing in the late spring to early summer. After flowering and pollination, the plant produces seed pods, and once the seeds mature, they are dispersed to start a new generation. The iris then enters a period of dormancy, typically during the colder months, before resuming its growth cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
The most popular method of propagation for the Spuria Iris, specifically the 'Falcon's Crest' variety, involves division of its rhizomes. Typically, this is done after the blooming period, which is late spring to early summer. As the plant goes dormant, usually by mid-summer, the gardener should carefully dig up the clump of rhizomes, shaking off any excess soil to reveal the individual sections. These sections are then cut apart with a clean, sharp knife, ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. The divisions should be replanted as soon as possible, setting them at a depth where the tops of the rhizomes are barely covered by soil. To encourage strong root development, water the newly planted divisions thoroughly. This method rejuvenates older plants and helps increase the number of plants in a garden.
