Iris Iris 'Flirting Again' (SDB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Flirting Again' (SDB), belonging to the Iris family, is a visually attractive plant. The distinguishing feature of this plant is its elegant, ruffled flowers. These blossoms exhibit a striking blend of shades, frequently seen in hues like purple, blue, or a combination thereof, which can include lighter and darker variations giving a bicolor appearance, contrasted by a patch of bright yellow or white at the base of the petals, known as "beards." These beards are fuzzy and add an eye-catching detail to the flower structure. The flowers of Iris 'Flirting Again' rise above the foliage on sturdy stalks. Each flower is composed of six lobes: three upright standards that are dome-shaped and three downward-curving falls that are wide and flared. This structure gives the flowers their characteristic form that's reminiscent of the fluttering skirts of dancers. Surrounding the stunning flowers is a mound of slender, sword-shaped leaves that are often a rich green. These leaves are slightly arching and grow in a dense clump, forming a beautiful contrast in color and texture with the elegant flowers. The foliage remains attractive even when the plant is not in bloom, providing a sharp, vertical aspect to gardens or landscapes. The appearance of Iris 'Flirting Again' carries an air of classic charm, and the flowers' intricate details and vibrant coloration make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens. The plant's attractive form and colors allow it to be a beautiful focal point when in bloom and a graceful addition to the landscape throughout the growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, SDB Iris.
Common names
Iris 'Flirting Again' (SDB).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as iris may contain compounds which can be toxic if ingested. While poisoning from irises is not commonly fatal in humans, it can cause symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms occur due to the presence of irritating substances in the plant, especially concentrated in the rhizomes (root-like structures). Contact with the sap can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is advisable to handle iris plants with care and ensure they are not ingested, especially by children who might be tempted by the colorful flowers.
To pets
The iris plant is also toxic to pets, with cats and dogs being at risk if they consume parts of the plant. Symptoms of iris poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and in severe cases, abdominal pain. The rhizomes contain the highest concentration of these irritating substances. If a pet ingests part of an iris plant, it is important to contact a veterinarian promptly, as supportive care may be required to prevent dehydration and alleviate symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Iris 'Flirting Again' (SDB) adds vibrant colors and unique textures to garden settings.
- Attracts Pollinators: This plant is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that contribute to pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: As a member of the dwarf bearded iris category, it exhibits good drought tolerance once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with low watering needs and only occasional fertilization.
- Adapts to Various Soils: It can thrive in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soils.
- Cold Hardy: This iris can withstand cooler temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in temperate regions.
- Long-Lasting Blooms: Offers a lengthy bloom time in late spring to early summer, providing a long-lasting display of flowers.
- Compact Size: Its smaller stature makes it ideal for use in containers, borders, or small garden spaces.
- Versatile Planting: The Iris 'Flirting Again' can be planted alongside a variety of other plants without the risk of it overpowering them.
- Deer Resistant: Tends to be ignored by deer, which is beneficial for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Propagates Easily: After a few years, clumps can be divided to produce more plants, offering a cost-effective way to expand your garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pressed Flower Art: The beautiful flowers of the Iris can be pressed and used in intricate art projects or bookmarks, preserving their color and form.
- Photography Subject: With its striking appearance, the Iris can serve as an excellent subject for photographers, especially those interested in macro photography.
- Fragrance Extraction: Though not common, the scent from Iris flowers can be captured and used in homemade perfumes or potpourris.
- Eco-friendly Dyes: The petals of the Iris can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Garden Design: Irises can be used to create a color-themed garden space or as a way to provide vertical interest due to their tall and elegant stems.
- Culinary Decoration: The vibrant petals of the Iris can be used as a decorative element in gourmet dishes, though they are not frequently consumed.
- Fauna Habitat: Planting Irises can attract and support local wildlife like bees and hummingbirds that are drawn to their nectar and structure.
- Symbolic Gift: Since the Iris is often associated with wisdom and hope, it can be given as a plant gift to convey a meaningful message to the recipient.
- Water Filtration: While not directly a use of the plant itself, Irises can be planted as part of a rain garden where they can help in filtering and purifying runoff water.
- Artistic Inspiration: The Iris has been the subject of many famous paintings and can inspire artists to create their own botanical artwork.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiIris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityIris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The iris is often seen as a symbol of hope due to its ability to bloom beautifully even after a harsh winter, representing the idea that good things can come after hard times.
- Trust: In some cultures, giving an iris is a gesture of trust and respect, as the flower has a regal bearing and is often associated with royalty and deity.
- Wisdom: Due to its association with the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow, the iris is linked to wisdom and communication between heaven and earth.
- Purity: The elegant form and often white coloration of certain iris blooms are emblematic of purity and innocence.
- Courage: The iris's bold appearance and ability to stand up to the elements are sometimes seen as a representation of courage and bravery.
- Royal Symbol: Since ancient times, the iris has been tied to royalty and power, particularly in France, where the stylized iris, the fleur-de-lis, is an enduring emblem.
- Good News: The iris can also symbolize good tidings, aligning with the role of the Greek goddess Iris, who used the rainbow to carry messages from gods to humans.
WaterDwarf Bearded Iris should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth and only when the top couple of inches of soil are dry to touch. During the growing season, provide about an inch of water weekly, which typically amounts to roughly 0.6 gallons per 10 square feet. Increase watering frequency during long periods of hot, dry weather. In the fall, gradually reduce watering to help the plant harden off for winter. It's essential not to overwater, as too much moisture can lead to root rot.
LightDwarf Bearded Iris thrives in full sunlight, which means it needs a minimum of six hours of direct sun exposure daily. The ideal spot for this plant is in a location that provides bright and unfiltered sunlight throughout the day to promote robust growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid planting in partial shade areas, as insufficient sunlight can lead to poor flowering and increase susceptibility to disease.
TemperatureDwarf Bearded Iris prefers a temperate climate and can generally survive winter temperatures down to about 5°F, although it may benefit from mulching in colder climates to protect it from freeze-thaw cycles. It grows best when spring temperatures range between 35°F and 70°F. The plant enters a period of dormancy in winter after flowering and can tolerate the heat of summer if provided with adequate moisture.
PruningDwarf Bearded Iris should be pruned by removing spent flower stems down to the base of the plant after blooming to encourage more vigorous growth. Trim away any brown or damaged leaves during the growing season to keep the plant tidy and healthy. In early fall, cut the foliage back to about 6 inches to prepare the plant for winter and to prevent disease. Pruning is also a good time to inspect for and remove any pests.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Flirting Again' thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter such as compost. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7 is optimal for this plant. The ideal soil mix can consist of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingThe Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Flirting Again' should be repotted or divided every 3 to 5 years. This helps to rejuvenate the plant and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to decreased blooming and increased susceptibility to disease.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Bearded Iris 'Flirting Again' prefers average humidity conditions and does not require high humidity levels. It is well adapted to the outdoor humidity levels in varied climates, as long as it has well-draining soil and isn’t waterlogged.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, pot with drainage, divide every 3-5 years.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, divide clumps every few years.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Iris 'Flirting Again', commonly known as Dwarf Bearded Iris, starts with seed germination in spring or early summer, where the plant begins as a tiny sprout emerging from the soil. It then grows into a vegetative state, developing a clump of sword-like leaves and establishing a strong root system. The next stage is the flowering phase, typically occurring in late spring to early summer, where the iris produces its distinct, colorful blooms atop sturdy stems. After pollination by insects, the flowers fade and seed pods may form, which eventually dry and release seeds for the plant's propagation. Following the blooming period, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hotter summer months or in the cold of winter, depending on the climate. The iris resumes growth in the following spring, repeating its life cycle with potential division and transplantation of rhizomes to encourage proliferation of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Iris 'Flirting Again', a variety of Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris (SDB), is through division of the rhizomes. This is typically done in late summer, after the blooming period has finished, and at least six weeks before the first expected frost to allow for root establishment. Gardeners should carefully dig up the clump of irises, gently shake or wash off the soil, and inspect the rhizomes for signs of disease or damage. Using a sharp knife, the rhizomes are then cut into sections, making sure that each section has at least one fan of leaves and a set of healthy roots. The leaves should be trimmed to about one-third of their height, around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm), to reduce water loss, and the divisions are replanted promptly. It's important to space the new plantings about 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) apart to give each plant enough space to grow. Newly planted rhizomes should be watered thoroughly to settle the soil and help with the establishment.
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