Iris Iris 'Lisa Jane' (SDB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Iris 'Lisa Jane' is a stunning variety showcasing a rich tapestry of colors. This plant boasts flowers typically found in the Iris family, known for their unique structure with three upright petals (standards) and three downward-sweeping petals (falls). The standards are often adorned with lighter shades ranging from soft blue to lavender, creating a delicate contrast against the bolder tones beneath. The falls display a more intense hue, featuring deep purples or rich violets, and may have intricate veining or speckling that adds texture and depth to the flower's appearance. In the center of the blooms, a distinct feature known as the 'beard' catches the eye—tufts of short bristles that may be brightly colored in yellow or orange, beckoning pollinators. The foliage is usually sword-shaped, with a vibrant green color that complements the floral display and provides a lush backdrop for the striking blooms. Overall, Iris 'Lisa Jane' is renowned for its mesmerizing colors and classic iris flower form. Its blooms are a visual feast, often appearing in mid to late spring, and may occasionally offer a second show of flowers later in the season. The leaves and stems contribute to the elegant silhouette of this plant, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of sophistication and charm to their landscapes.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Dwarf Bearded Iris, Small Bearded Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Lisa Jane' (SDB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  Iris 'Lisa Jane' is a type of bearded iris, and while not typically considered deadly poisonous, many irises do contain compounds that can cause irritation and discomfort. If any parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, are ingested, it can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation due to the presence of irritating compounds. It's advisable to avoid ingesting any parts of the plant and to wash hands after handling it.
- To pets
  Bearded iris, like Iris 'Lisa Jane,' can be toxic to pets if ingested, particularly the rhizomes. The toxicity is usually mild to moderate in nature. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. It is recommended to keep these plants out of reach and to contact a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has consumed any part of the iris.
Characteristics
- Life 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
  3
- Native area
  Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Iris 'Lisa Jane' has striking flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: It is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: This Iris variety can withstand periods of low water availability, perfect for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Pest Resistance: It is generally resistant to many common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, rock gardens, and as a ground cover.
- Attracts Pollinators: Iris 'Lisa Jane' attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in the middle of the spring, providing color and interest during this season.
- Compact Growth: As a dwarf variety, it's suitable for smaller spaces or containers without overwhelming the area.
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
- Crafting natural dyes: The Iris 'Lisa Jane' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, with its petals offering a range of hues depending on the mordant used.
- Eco-friendly art supplies: Petals and leaves of the Iris can be crushed and mixed with other natural ingredients to create eco-friendly paints for artists.
- Culinary garnish: The vibrant flowers of the Iris can add a decorative touch to salads and desserts, although they should be used sparingly and only if known to be free of pesticides.
- Floral waters or perfumes: Distilling the Iris flowers can produce scented waters or perfumes with a subtle, floral fragrance.
- Photography subject: Due to its striking appearance, the Iris 'Lisa Jane' serves as an excellent subject for botanical photography and art projects.
- Garden mulch: After the blooming season, dried Iris leaves and stems can be repurposed as a natural mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Insect habitats: The sturdy structure of the Iris can provide shelter for beneficial garden insects, promoting a balanced ecosystem.
- Bookmark creation: Dried Iris petals can be laminated or pressed in books to create unique, floral bookmarks.
- Floating decorations: The buoyant flowers of the Iris can be used as decorative floating elements in bowls of water for events or home decor.
- Edible crystallized flowers: With the proper preparation, some Iris petals can be crystallized with sugar to create edible decorations for cakes and pastries.

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
- Purity: The iris often signifies purity, especially in the context of its association with the Virgin Mary in historical Christian artwork.
- Hope: As the flowers of the iris bloom in a variety of colors, they can represent hope and faith, reminding us of the renewal each season brings.
- Wisdom: In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger of the gods, making her name synonymous with communication, wisdom, and messages.
- Courage: The iris, through its historical use in the French monarchy's Fleur-de-lis, has come to symbolize bravery and valor.
- Royalty: Given its link with French royalty, the iris can represent regality and elegance.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to early fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Dwarf bearded iris prefer to be watered thoroughly but infrequently, generally requiring water once a week during the growing season. It's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In terms of the amount of water, they typically need about an inch of water weekly, which equates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Over winter, reduce watering significantly as the plants enter dormancy.
Light
Dwarf bearded iris thrive in full sun, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day to perform best. The ideal spot for these irises is an area that receives bright, unfiltered sunshine for most of the day. Avoid planting them in shaded areas or where buildings or trees may cast shadows for prolonged periods, as insufficient light can hamper bloom production.
Temperature
Dwarf bearded iris can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. They can survive minimal temperatures as low as -40°F during dormancy and are comfortable in the garden where summer temperatures can soar up to 90°F or higher. The ideal growth temperature range for these plants is between 68°F and 86°F, where they flourish and produce their characteristic flowers.
Pruning
Pruning dwarf bearded iris involves removing spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage healthy growth and potentially more blooms. You should also cut back the foliage to about 4 to 6 inches in the fall to tidy the plant and minimize disease risk. The best time for pruning the foliage is after the first frost when the plant starts to go dormant. Division of rhizomes should occur every 3 to 5 years for vigor and to rejuvenate blooming.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Lisa Jane' prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A good soil mix would be a combination of loamy garden soil, well-decomposed compost, and coarse sand to ensure proper drainage.
Repotting
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Lisa Jane' generally doesn't require frequent repotting; it should be divided and repotted every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and flower production.
Humidity & Misting
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Lisa Jane' can tolerate a range of humidity levels but it thrives in conditions that mimic its natural habitat, which typically aren't too humid.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good airflow for Dwarf Bearded Iris indoors.
- Outdoor
  Plant Dwarf Bearded Iris in full sun; ensure soil drains well.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Iris 'Lisa Jane' (Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris) begins with germination from seed or rejuvenation from a rhizome division, typically in late summer or fall. The rhizome sends up shoots which develop into sword-like leaves and roots that anchor the plant and absorb nutrients and water. In spring, flower stalks grow, leading to the blooming phase where the distinctive colorful flowers emerge. After flowering, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage in the rhizome, essential for next year's growth. As temperatures cool, the iris enters dormancy; the above-ground foliage dies back, and the plant conserves energy in the rhizome. The cycle repeats when warmer weather returns, prompting new growth from the rhizome.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to early fall
- Iris 'Lisa Jane', a variety of Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris (SDB), can be propagated through division, which is the most popular and effective method for many irises. It involves separating the rhizomes to create new plants. This process is best done after flowering, typically in late summer to early fall, which allows the plants time to establish before the onset of cold weather. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of iris, and with a clean, sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into sections, each with at least one fan of leaves and roots attached. Trim the leaves to about a third of their height, roughly 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce water loss and make handling easier. Replant the divisions at least 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow, ensuring the top of the rhizome is just at or slightly below the soil surface. This method allows the gardener to increase their stock of irises and manage the size and vigor of the plants.