Iris Iris 'Lincoln Imp' (CH)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Iris 'Lincoln Imp' showcases a striking and elegant appearance that is notable among garden ornamentals. This particular iris boasts flowers with a unique and rich color palette, often a blend of deep purples, reds, or burgundy with an infusion of gold or bright yellow at the base of the petals. The petals themselves are typically composed of two distinct types: the standards, which are the upright petals boldly reaching upwards; and the falls, which are the downward-curving petals. The contrast and interplay of vivid colors set against the dark, sword-like foliage make this iris a dramatic addition to any garden. Its flower structure is defined by the delicate veining and textural details on the petals that often glisten in the sunshine. The plant's overall shape is a clumped form with the leaves creating a dense, green backdrop to the rich, colorful blooms that emerge on sturdy stalks. The blooms not only offer visual splendor but may also exude a slight fragrance, adding yet another sensory dimension to its display.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Lincoln Imp' (CH)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Iris 'Lincoln Imp' is considered mildly poisonous to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant, especially the rhizomes, may result in gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling it can sometimes cause skin irritation due to the presence of irritating compounds.
- To pets
  Iris 'Lincoln Imp' is toxic to pets, with cats and dogs being susceptible to poisoning if they ingest part of the plant, particularly the rhizomes. Symptoms of iris poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, there may also be signs of lethargy and depression. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary care if you suspect they have ingested any part of it.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  2-3 feet [60-90 cm]
- Spread
  1-2 feet [30-60 cm]
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  4-9
- Native area
  Cultivar

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Iris 'Lincoln Imp' adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its striking purple blooms.
- Ease of Cultivation: This iris variety is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a suitable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of your garden ecosystem.
- Cut Flower Use: Irises are popular choices for cut flower arrangements due to their unique shape and long vase life.
- Seasonal Interest: With a typical bloom time in late spring, they provide a burst of color when many other plants are just starting to grow.
- Border Planting: Their upright growth habit makes them ideal for use in borders or as accent plants within a flower bed.
- Breeding Potential: Gardeners interested in hybridization can use the 'Lincoln Imp' as a parent plant to develop new iris varieties.
- Winter Hardiness: This variety is capable of surviving through cold winters, making it suitable for planting in many temperate regions.
- Low Pest and Disease Risks: Irises tend to be resistant to many common garden pests and diseases.
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
- Iris 'Lincoln Imp' can be used in perfumery for its fragrant blooms. The scent of the flowers can be captured and added to perfumes or scented oils.
- The petals of Iris 'Lincoln Imp' may be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, giving a soft colour that can range from yellow to green-blue, depending on the mordant used.
- The flowers can be incorporated into floral arrangements and bouquets for their bold colors and unique form, often enhancing the aesthetic of any flower composition.
- Iris fibers, obtained from the leaves and stems, have been historically used to make ropes or nets thanks to their strength and durability.
- Dried iris 'Lincoln Imp' petals can be added to potpourri mixes for their pleasant smell, contributing to a room's ambience.
- Its rhizomes can be processed to make a starch known as orris root, which is used as a fixative in potpourris and sachets.
- Gardeners may use the clumping nature of this iris to help control soil erosion in certain areas of the landscape due to its root structure.
- The leaves can serve as a natural pest deterrent when placed in linen closets or drawers, as some bugs dislike the fragrance.
- Pressed Iris 'Lincoln Imp' flowers can be used for ornamental purposes in crafts, such as within bookmarks or greeting cards.
- During the Victorian era, the flowers of the iris were often used in a language of flowers, where the Iris 'Lincoln Imp' could be used to symbolize a message of 'good news' or 'a message'.

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
- Elegance: The Iris 'Lincoln Imp' with its sophisticated form and structure is often associated with elegance and high poise.
- Wisdom: Irises are commonly linked to wisdom, perhaps due to the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger of the gods and a symbol of communication and wisdom.
- Hope: The iris is also a symbol of hope, with its blooms representing faith in a brighter future.
- Royalty: The regal appearance of the iris has associated it with royalty and nobility across various cultures.
- Courage: This plant can embody courage, with its bold colors and shapes signifying bravery and valiance.

💧

Every week

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the Bearded Iris 'Lincoln Imp', an established plant typically requires watering once a week, but this can vary with climate conditions. Aim to provide about one inch of water, soaking the soil around the plant to ensure it reaches the roots. During the hot, dry summer months, water availability is crucial, and additional watering may be necessary, ideally in the morning hours to allow any excess moisture on foliage to evaporate as the day warms. Ensure good drainage as Bearded Irises do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Decrease watering as the plant enters dormancy in the fall.
Light
Bearded Iris 'Lincoln Imp' thrives best in full sunlight, which means at least six hours of direct sun per day. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in excessively hot climates, but too much shade can reduce blooming and weaken the plant. Choose a spot in your garden that receives ample sunshine throughout the day to ensure the health and vigor of your Iris.
Temperature
Bearded Irises, including 'Lincoln Imp', prefer temperate conditions and can survive winter cold down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 35 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid planting in sites where winter temperatures dip below the hardiness level without adequate snow cover or mulch to insulate the rhizomes.
Pruning
Prune Bearded Iris 'Lincoln Imp' by removing spent flower stalks at their base to promote healthy growth and reduce the risk of disease. After blooming, cut back the flower stems but leave the foliage intact to allow the plant to gather energy for the next season. Trimming of brown tips and dead leaves can be done as needed, and complete foliage removal should occur after the first frost when leaves have withered.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil for growing Bearded Iris, often known as Iris 'Lincoln Imp', is well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic soil, with an optimal pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A mix of loamy soil, rich in organic matter, will help ensure healthy growth. Amend with compost before planting to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Repotting
Bearded Iris, including the Iris 'Lincoln Imp', typically does not need frequent repotting and is often divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production. Repotting is best done after flowering, in the late summer.
Humidity & Misting
Bearded Iris, such as Iris 'Lincoln Imp', are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity to thrive. They are well-suited to the humidity levels found in most temperate climates.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Bright light, well-drained soil, pot with drainage holes for Bearded Iris.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil; plant rhizomes at soil surface for Bearded Iris.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA.
Life cycle
The Iris 'Lincoln Imp' (Cultivated Hybrid), commonly known as Bearded Iris, begins its life cycle as a rhizome, a type of bulb-like underground stem that stores nutrients. In spring, new shoots emerge from the rhizome, followed by sword-like leaves that create a fan-shaped formation. By late spring to early summer, stalks extend upward, each bearing multiple buds that bloom into the plant's distinctive, vibrant flowers, which attract pollinators. After flowering, seed pods may form, containing seeds that can disperse and potentially germinate to form new plants, though cultivation is more commonly through division of rhizomes. As the growing season ends, the plant enters a period of dormancy, with the foliage often dying back in the fall. To ensure perennial growth, the iris rhizome requires a cold period in the winter and can be divided every few years in late summer to rejuvenate and propagate the plant.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- The most popular way to propagate Iris 'Lincoln Imp', commonly known as the bearded iris, is through division, a process best performed in late summer after the blooming period. This allows the new plants to become established before the cold weather. When dividing bearded irises, carefully lift the clump of iris rhizomes from the ground using a fork or spade and gently shake off excess soil. Healthy rhizomes should be firm and free of soft spots. Using a sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into pieces, ensuring that each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a section of roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce water loss and make the plant easier to handle. Replant the divisions at least 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart, setting them so the top of the rhizome is slightly exposed to the sunlight to prevent rot.