Blue Iris Iris 'Monspur Cambridge Blue' (Spuria)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The Iris 'Monspur Cambridge Blue' is part of the Spuria Irises group, known for their elegance in the garden. This particular variety showcases striking flowers that are characterized by a delicate Cambridge blue color, which is a pale shade of azure that's soft and appealing to the eye. The blooms have a classic iris shape, with three upright petals known as 'standards' and three downward-curving petals called 'falls'. The standards are typically lighter in color, providing a delicate contrast to the richer-colored falls. Each fall has a bright yellow signal patch, which is a common trait in Spuria Irises, adding to the flower's intricate beauty. The foliage of the Cambridge Blue Iris consists of long, slender leaves that resemble swords or blades, which gives the plant a graceful, upright structure. These leaves are a rich, deep green color that complements the light blue hues of the blooms well. The leaves emerge from a rhizome, which is a type of underground stem that stores nutrients and energy for the plant. The Iris 'Monspur Cambridge Blue' blooms in late spring to early summer, with the flowering period lasting for a few weeks. This timing allows gardeners to enjoy the serene blue blossoms during a time of year when many other plants are also in peak bloom. The flowers can provide a beautiful accent in a mixed border, a dedicated iris bed, or even as a standalone feature in pots and containers. With its beautifully colored flowers and attractive foliage, the Cambridge Blue Iris is often used for cut flower arrangements as well, where its elegant blooms can be appreciated up close. The plant is resilient and hardy in various garden settings, bringing a touch of classic beauty to any landscape it graces.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Cambridge Blue Spuria Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Monspur Cambridge Blue'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant in question, commonly known as Sapphire Spuria Iris, contains various toxic compounds, particularly the rhizomes which can be more concentrated in these compounds. If ingested, toxicity symptoms in humans can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases might also see a risk of dermatitis from handling the plant. Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- To pets
  Sapphire Spuria Iris is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Symptoms of poisoning after ingestion can mirror those in humans, presenting as gastrointestinal upsets with vomiting, diarrhea, and possible abdominal pain. Ingesting Iris rhizomes can be particularly harmful to pets. If a pet ingests part of this Iris species, seeking veterinary care as soon as possible is advised to provide appropriate treatment.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Blue
- Height
  3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  Europe Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive Flowers: Iris 'Monspur Cambridge Blue' produces exquisite light blue flowers that enhance garden aesthetics.
- Drought Tolerance: As a Spuria type, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering once established.
- Low Maintenance: This Iris variety doesn’t require much care beyond the initial planting and occasional division.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollination in the garden.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with a deer presence.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it will return each year, adding long-term beauty to garden spaces.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help to stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes or banks.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides seasonal interest with its foliage in the spring and striking blooms in late spring to early summer.
- Versatility: Can be used in borders, water garden settings, and as cut flowers because of its long, sturdy stems.
- Landscape Design: Useful for adding height and color to the back of perennial beds or as a feature plant due to its tall, elegant stature.
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
- The tall and robust stems of the Spuria Iris can be used as natural supports for weaker-stemmed plants or vines in a garden setting.
- Landscape artists sometimes use the dried seed pods of Spuria Iris in flower arrangements and decorative wreaths for their unique shape and texture.
- The fibers from Spuria Iris leaves can be used in the production of handmade paper, giving the paper a distinctive look and texture.
- Spuria Iris blooms can be crystallized with sugar and used as an elegant and edible decoration for cakes and desserts.
- The Spuria Iris's striking blue flowers can be used to create natural dye for fabrics, although this practice is not very common.
- In ponds or water gardens, Spuria Iris can be planted along the banks to prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Photographers and painters often use Spuria Iris flowers as subjects to capture the intricate details and colors for their art.
- The plant can be included in educational projects to teach children about plant biology, particularly regarding pollination and plant structure.
- Due to their lush foliage, Spuria Iris can be used to create a green backdrop in a garden, adding depth and contrast to flower beds.
- Garden designers might use Spuria Iris to create a 'living screen' to provide privacy in a yard or to hide unsightly objects.

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
- Hope: Irises often symbolize hope, inspiring belief in the possibility of a positive outcome.
- Wisdom: Historically, the iris is connected to wisdom, perhaps due to its named association with the Greek goddess Hera (whose messenger was Iris), known for her intelligence.
- Trust: Gifting irises can be a sign of trust, signifying a deep and meaningful relationship where confidentiality is respected.
- Purity: The delicate nature of the flower often conveys purity and innocence.
- Courage: In some cultures, the iris is a symbol of courage, celebrating the strength required to trust in a new beginning or path.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Spuria Iris, specifically 'Monspur Cambridge Blue', prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. It should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons of water per plant to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, you might need to water twice a week. Reduce the watering frequency once the flowering has finished and during the dormant season to prevent rot. The watering needs may also depend on soil type and weather conditions, so soil should be checked regularly to maintain proper moisture levels.
Light
Spuria Iris like 'Monspur Cambridge Blue' thrive in full sun conditions. Ideally, they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these irises would be a location where they are exposed to the morning sun, as this will help to dry dew quickly and reduce the risk of disease. However, they can tolerate some light shade, especially in regions with very hot summers.
Temperature
Spuria Iris such as 'Monspur Cambridge Blue' are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They can typically survive winter temperatures as low as 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. During the growing season, they enjoy temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can be detrimental, especially if combined with dry soil conditions.
Pruning
Pruning Spuria Iris like 'Monspur Cambridge Blue' involves cutting back the flower stalks after blooming. This helps to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Additionally, remove any damaged or diseased leaves as needed to keep the plant healthy. The best time for a major clean-up, including the removal of old leaves, is early spring before new growth starts. Once the foliage has yellowed in late fall, it can be cut back to just above ground level to prepare for winter.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Spuria Iris 'Monspur Cambridge Blue' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). A soil mix consisting of loamy garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite to improve drainage makes an ideal growing medium for this iris.
Repotting
Spuria Irises, such as 'Monspur Cambridge Blue', are typically not repotted often; they should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & Misting
'Monspur Cambridge Blue' Spuria Iris tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to low humidity conditions commonly found in outdoor environments rather than the high humidity of some indoor settings.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light, around 65-75°F, and regular watering.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water moderately.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Cambridge Blue Iris, a perennial plant, starts its life as a seed or a divided rhizome. After germination, it develops a rosette of slender, upright leaves and a robust root system. In its vegetative growth stage, the foliage continues to develop and store energy for flowering. Upon reaching maturity, typically within a few years, the plant produces tall flowering stalks with the characteristic light blue to violet-blue blossoms in late spring to early summer. After flowering, seed pods may form, which eventually dry and release seeds to propagate the next generation. Following seed set, the plant enters a period of dormancy, where the foliage may die back, especially in regions with colder winters, before regenerating in the next growing season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- The Spuria Iris 'Monspur Cambridge Blue' is typically propagated through division of the rhizomes. This process is best undertaken in late summer to early fall, after the blooming period has ended and the foliage has started to yellow and die back, which is an indication that the plant has entered dormancy. The gardener should carefully dig up the rhizomes and divide them using a sharp knife, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of healthy roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted immediately, spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. The top of the rhizome should be planted just below the soil surface where it will receive full sun exposure to ensure the best chances of successful growth in the following season. Proper care, including adequate watering to keep the soil moist but not saturated, is essential following replanting to help the new divisions establish themselves.