Border Bearded Iris Iris 'Impetuous' (BB)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
iris 'Impetuous'

ABOUT

The Iris 'Impetuous' is a Bearded Iris, belonging to a group known for their distinctive "beards" on each of the falls (the lower petals that hang down). This particular variety boasts an eye-catching color combination and pattern. The flowers of Iris 'Impetuous' feature bold, ruffled petals which are a mix of vibrant colors, usually standing out with a combination of pinks, oranges, and purples that blend together to create a striking display. The upper petals, known as standards, typically exhibit a lighter shade, which may contrast with the more vividly colored falls. The beards—the fuzzy, caterpillar-like extensions in the middle of the falls—attract pollinators and add an additional point of interest with their bright hues. The leaves of the plant are long and sword-shaped, presenting a green, upright, and somewhat blade-like foliage that elegantly complements the flamboyant blooms. The Iris 'Impetuous' provides an excellent visual focus in any garden setting due to the contrast between its dramatic flowers and its vertical foliage.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae

    • Synonyms

      Border Bearded Iris, BB Iris

    • Common names

      Iris 'Impetuous' (BB)

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Bearded iris, including the Iris 'Impetuous' (BB), contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, contain irisin, iridin, or irisine, which can cause digestive distress. Symptoms of poisoning might include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In rare cases, consumption could lead to more severe reactions such as dermatitis from handling and allergenic reactions in sensitive individuals. It's important to avoid ingesting any part of the bearded iris to prevent these adverse health effects.

    • To pets

      Bearded iris may be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes and other parts of the plant contain irritant substances like irisin, iridin, or irisine, which can result in gastrointestinal upset for animals. The symptoms of poisoning in pets might include salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or diarrhea. In severe cases, there could be more acute signs of poisoning. To prevent harm to your pets, it is wise to keep this plant out of reach and to discourage any contact with or ingestion of the bearded iris.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Mixed

    • Height

      2 feet 4 inches (71 cm)

    • Spread

      1 feet 8 inches (51 cm)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      4

    • Native area

      Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and unique texture to garden landscapes.
    • Low Maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
    • Drought Resistance: Tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
    • Cold Hardy: Able to withstand cooler temperatures, suitable for a variety of climates.
    • Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, decreasing the need for chemical treatments.
    • Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
    • Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
    • Long Bloom Time: Offers a lengthy flowering period compared to some other perennials.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Iris 'Impetuous' can be used in pottery glazing for adding unique patterns by pressing the petals and leaves onto the clay before firing.
    • The strong fibers of the Iris 'Impetuous' leaves can be woven into eco-friendly textiles for making bags and other fabric items.
    • When dried, the seed pods of the Iris 'Impetuous' can be used in decorative arrangements or as natural rattles in musical instruments.
    • The Iris 'Impetuous' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from soft greens to deep blues depending upon the mordant used.
    • Due to their structural shape, the dried flowers of Iris 'Impetuous' can be coated with wax and used as creative candle holders.
    • Iris 'Impetuous' petals can be incorporated into hand-made paper, adding texture and floral inclusions to the finished product.
    • When pressed and dried, the flowers of Iris 'Impetuous' are ideal for botanical art, such as creating bookmarks or stationery embellishments.
    • The juice from the Iris 'Impetuous' can be mixed with other natural ingredients to make a non-toxic ink for use in fountain pens or calligraphy.
    • Iris 'Impetuous' can be utilized in perfumery, where its essence is combined with other fragrances to create a unique and enchanting scent profile.
    • Leaves of the Iris 'Impetuous' can be used in basket weaving to add strength and a splash of color to the finished handcrafted baskets.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Iris is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Hope: The iris often symbolizes hope, reflecting a belief in a positive future.
    • Wisdom: In some cultures, irises represent wisdom, perhaps due to their regal appearance and association with deities.
    • Purity: The flower can also symbolize purity, especially white irises, which are often used in weddings and religious ceremonies.
    • Courage: Irises may stand for courage because of their bold colors and the way they can thrive in various conditions.
    • Admiration: Giving someone an iris can express your admiration for their qualities.
    • Royalty: The historical association of irises with royal families has lead to their symbolism for royalty and elegance.
    • Faith: Irises may represent faith, showing trust in oneself and the universe.
    • Valor: Because of their upright petals that resemble blades, irises can signify valor or bravery in battle.

💧
Every 7-10 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
55%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring to Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Border Bearded Iris 'Impetuous' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. Established plants are quite drought-tolerant, but ensuring a consistent watering schedule promotes healthy growth and bloom. During the growing season, especially in dry conditions, check the soil regularly; if the top inch of soil is dry, it's time to water. In cool climates or during rainy periods, reduce the frequency to prevent overwatering, which can cause root rot. It's best to water in the morning to allow foliage to dry, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

  • sunLight

    Border Bearded Iris 'Impetuous' thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom well. They perform best in a position where they can receive uninterrupted daylight, as ample sunshine is critical for flowering. If possible, plant them in a south-facing spot to maximize their light exposure.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Border Bearded Iris 'Impetuous' favor temperatures in the range of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can withstand colder conditions, surviving winter temperatures as low as -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's crucial to provide well-draining soil to prevent rhizomes from rotting in cold, soggy conditions. During hot summer weather, they can tolerate temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • scissorsPruning

    Border Bearded Iris 'Impetuous' should be pruned to remove any wilted flowers immediately after blooming to encourage rebloom and to ensure plant energy is directed to the rhizomes. In late summer or early fall, prune back the leaves to about 6 inches above the ground to tidy up the plant and help prevent disease. Pruning is also necessary to remove any damaged or diseased foliage throughout the growing season.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Border Bearded Iris 'Impetuous' thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix would contain loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to ensure good drainage.

  • plantRepotting

    Border Bearded Irises like Iris 'Impetuous' typically don’t need frequent repotting and can be divided every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and bloom quality.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Border Bearded Iris 'Impetuous' prefers average humidity levels, as too much humidity can lead to rot and fungal diseases.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Ensure bright light, proper soil mix, adequate watering.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, space 18 inches apart.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Iris 'Impetuous' (BB), also known as Border Bearded Iris, begins its life cycle as a rhizome, which is a type of underground stem that stores energy. In spring, new shoots emerge from the rhizome, developing into a clump of green, sword-like leaves and sturdy stems that produce the colorful and distinctive bearded flowers. After blooming, usually in late spring to early summer, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage, preparing for the next season. Once flowering is complete, the plant's leaves continue to photosynthesize throughout the summer and into early fall, at which point the plant begins to go dormant. The foliage may die back with the onset of colder weather, but the rhizome remains alive underground. In the following spring, the cycle restarts as new growth appears, again leading to the development of stems and blooms for the new season.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring to Summer

    • Propogation: Iris 'Impetuous', which belongs to the Border Bearded (BB) group of irises, is commonly propagated by division, a method that is both practical and popular among gardeners. The best time to carry out this process is in late summer to early fall, after the blooming season has ended and once the foliage begins to die back. This period allows the plant to establish itself in the new location before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of iris, taking care to minimize root damage. The rhizomes, which are horizontal stems from which the leaves and roots grow, should be divided using a clean, sharp knife. Each division should include at least one fan of leaves and a healthy section of rhizome, approximately 3 to 4 inches long (about 7.5 to 10 centimeters). Replant the divisions promptly, maintaining shallow planting to ensure the rhizome is partially exposed to the sun, as iris rhizomes can rot if buried too deeply.

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