Bearded Iris Iris 'Pink Parchment' (BB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Pink Parchment' is a captivating flowering plant characterized by its soft pink blossoms which exude a delicate and serene vibe. Each flower comprises three upright petals, known as standards, and three outer petals that curve downwards, referred to as falls. These falls often showcase a slight beard in a paler or contrasting color, adding a touch of intricacy to the overall floral display. The leaves of this iris are slim and elongate, presenting as sword-like foliage that emerges in a fan-shaped pattern. These green leaves can have a slightly bluish or grayish tint, providing a beautiful foil to the gentle pink of the flowers. Additionally, the blooms emit a light fragrance that can be enjoyed when in close proximity, contributing to the plant's charm and allure that it holds in a garden setting. The harmonious blend of form, color, and scent makes Iris 'Pink Parchment' a prized selection for many garden enthusiasts.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae.
- Synonyms
  Bearded Iris, German Iris, Pink Parchment Iris.
- Common names
  Iris 'Pink Parchment'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Pink Parchment' (BB), commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, is a plant that is considered mildly toxic when ingested by humans. The primary toxic element in these plants is irisin, which is found in the rhizomes (root-like structures). If ingested, the plant can cause digestive upset, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In rare cases, consumption of larger quantities may result in more severe digestive issues. Handling the plant, particularly the rhizomes, can also cause skin irritations in sensitive individuals. It is advised to keep this plant out of reach of children who may be tempted to taste it.
- To pets
  The Iris 'Pink Parchment' (BB), commonly known as Tall Bearded Iris, is also toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains irisin and other compounds which are concentrated in the rhizomes and can cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, particularly if a large amount of the rhizome is consumed, there may be a more serious risk to the animal's health, including potential damage to the liver or kidneys. Pet owners should keep these plants out of reach of their animals and seek veterinary assistance if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of the plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  2 feet 60 cm
- Spread
  1 foot 30 cm
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3-9
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Aesthetic: Iris 'Pink Parchment' offers striking pink blooms that can add beauty and color to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide nectar and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Bearded irises are generally easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can withstand periods of drought, making them suitable for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens.
- Cold Hardy: They are capable of surviving and thriving in cold temperatures, making them suitable for gardeners in cooler climates.
- Propagates Easily: Irises can be divided and shared, allowing gardeners to propagate new plants easily from existing ones.
- Soil Adaptability: They can grow in a variety of soil types, though they prefer well-drained conditions.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, they provide long-term presence in the garden, re-emerging each spring.
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 'Pink Parchment' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues ranging from light pink to rich mauve depending on the mordant used in the dyeing process.
- The fibrous leaves can be woven into baskets or used in crafting for various decorative purposes, such as making wreaths or intricate wall art.
- The petals of the iris can be pressed and preserved in glass frames or used in resin jewelry, capturing the plant's beauty in various art forms.
- These irises can be used in thematic gardens, such as a 'pink' garden, where various shades of pink flowers create a monochromatic aesthetic.
- The plant can be incorporated in educational settings, where students can learn about plant hybridization and the cultivation of new varieties.
- Iris 'Pink Parchment' makes for an excellent subject in photography due to its unique color and delicate form, providing a soft aesthetic appeal.
- The robust nature of the Iris makes it useful for erosion control in garden slopes as their root systems can help stabilize the soil.
- During blooming season, irises can be a source of inspiration for artists and poets, who may be drawn to their elegant form and distinctive color for use in their works.
- Tall iris varieties like 'Pink Parchment' can serve as natural privacy screens or borders in a landscape design when planted in groups.
- The cut flowers of Iris 'Pink Parchment' can be used in floral arrangements and bouquets due to their striking appearance and long vase life.

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
- Faith: The Iris is often associated with faith, trust, and belief, representing the trusting relationship between individuals or a spiritual connection.
- Hope: Its appearance in spring ties it to the idea of hope and renewal, signifying a positive expectation for the future.
- Wisdom: Historically, the Iris was linked to wisdom due to its connection with the Greek goddess Iris, who bridged the human world and the divine realm.
- Courage: The flower's hardiness and ability to grow in a variety of conditions symbolize the courage to face challenges.
- Admiration: The delicate appearance and noble shape of the Iris can represent deep admiration for someone's qualities or accomplishments.
- Royalty: With its regal bearing and rich history, Irises are often tied to royalty and nobility.

💧

Every week

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer to Early Fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Bearded Iris should be watered deeply to encourage root development but allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent rot. In the absence of rainfall, water the Bearded Iris 'Pink Parchment' once a week with approximately one to two gallons per square yard of soil, adjusting for climatic conditions. During the growing season, if the weather is particularly hot or windy, you might need to water more frequently. It is important to reduce watering after flowering concludes and throughout the dormant season to prevent excessive moisture around the rhizomes.
Light
The Bearded Iris prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering. It should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for planting Bearded Iris 'Pink Parchment' would be in a location where it can enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the day. However, in extremely hot climates, some light afternoon shade can help to protect the flowers from heat stress.
Temperature
Bearded Iris 'Pink Parchment' thrives in a temperature range where the climate offers cold winters and warm summers. The plant can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit but requires a period of dormancy with temperatures between 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit to bloom successfully. Optimal growing temperatures during the growing season are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Pruning of Bearded Iris involves removing spent flower stalks down to the base of the plant to encourage reblooming and maintain aesthetics. Additionally, trim away any damaged or diseased foliage to promote good plant health. Pruning should be done immediately after flowering and again in late summer to early fall to prepare the plant for the winter rest period. Regular pruning also reduces energy wasted on seed production and can help to mitigate disease and pest issues.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Border Bearded Iris 'Pink Parchment' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with good aeration. A blend of two-thirds loamy soil and one-third compost or well-rotted manure is ideal. An addition of perlite or coarse sand can improve drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5 to 7.0, for optimal growth.
Repotting
Border Bearded Irises like 'Pink Parchment' generally do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years. They should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to avoid overcrowding and to rejuvenate their vigor.
Humidity & Misting
The Border Bearded Iris 'Pink Parchment' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. However, ensuring good air circulation around the plant can prevent issues with excessive moisture and potential disease.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering.
- Outdoor
  Plant in sunny spot, well-draining soil, and water when dry.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of the Iris 'Pink Parchment' (BB), commonly known as the Bearded Iris, begins with seed germination, which occurs when temperatures are favorable, typically in the spring. As the Bearded Iris seedling grows, it develops a rhizome, which is a horizontal stem from which roots and shoots will emerge. The plant enters a vegetative stage where it undergoes foliage growth, establishing sword-shaped leaves that photosynthesize to fuel further development. During its flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, the Bearded Iris showcases its characteristic large pink flowers. After pollination, which is often aided by insects attracted to the blooms, the flowers will wither, and if conditions are right, seed pods will form and eventually disperse seeds for the next generation. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy during colder months, with the rhizomes surviving underground to regrow when the next favorable season arrives.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer to Early Fall
- The Iris 'Pink Parchment', also known as the bearded iris, is most commonly propagated through division, a process that should ideally be performed after the blooming period in late summer to early fall. This allows the rhizomes, which are the horizontal underground stems, to establish themselves in the ground before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, the gardener would dig up the clumps of iris, being careful not to damage the rhizomes. Using a sharp knife, the clumps are cut into sections, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a healthy portion of rhizome. The leaves are often trimmed to about a third of their height to reduce water loss. The divisions are then planted in well-drained soil, with the rhizome just barely visible above the soil surface and spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters), to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.