Dutch Iris Iris 'Professor Blaauw' (Dut)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Professor Blaauw' is a striking and elegant garden plant renowned for its beautiful blooms. Its flowers are the most distinctive feature, boasting rich, deep blue to purple hues with a characteristic iridescent sheen that catches the eye. Each bloom typically consists of six lobes: three upright petals, known commonly as standards, and three downward-sloping sepals, referred to as falls. The falls often exhibit a lighter color at their base and may be adorned with a yellow or white beard-like pattern, which adds a contrasting highlight to the darker tones above. The foliage of the Iris 'Professor Blaauw' complements its stunning blooms with sword-shaped leaves that are a vibrant green. These leaves are stiff and upright, emerging from the base of the plant and forming a fan-like arrangement. The leaves' linear, vertical form provides a striking backdrop to the colorful flowers and creates an aesthetic of architectural elegance. While in bloom, the flowers are held high above the foliage on sturdy stalks, presenting an impressive display. After the flowering season, the plant remains visually appealing due to its structural leaves that retain their color and form. The Iris 'Professor Blaauw' is a visually captivating plant that adds a touch of sophistication and vibrant color to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Dutch Iris, Professor Blaauw Iris
Common names
Iris 'Professor Blaauw'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Dutch Iris, specifically the Iris 'Professor Blaauw', is considered mildly toxic to humans. If ingested, the toxic compounds, particularly found in the rhizomes (bulbs), can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
Similar to their effect on humans, the Dutch Iris is also mildly toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Consumption of the plant, especially the bulbs, can lead to symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: The Iris 'Professor Blaauw' adds vibrant color to gardens with its striking blue-violet flowers.
- Garden Diversity: This plant introduces variety in height, texture, and form to mixed borders and garden designs.
- Pollinator Attraction: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is relatively drought-resistant, ideal for xeriscaping or areas with water restrictions.
- Cut Flowers: Its blooms make for beautiful and long-lasting cut flower arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers spring interest in gardens when many other plants are not yet in bloom.
- Easy Propagation: It can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, helping to prevent damage to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Natural Dyes: Iris 'Professor Blaauw' can be used to produce natural dyes due to its pigmented petals that may yield shades of blue or purple, ideal for coloring textiles and artisan crafts.
- Floral Arrangements: The blossoms of the Iris 'Professor Blaauw' are often used in floral arrangements, adding a touch of elegance to bouquets and decorative displays with their unique shape and vibrant color.
- Garden Design: With their striking color, Irises are used to create a 'river of blue' effect in garden design when planted in large swathes or along garden borders, providing a visually appealing landscape feature.
- Photography Subjects: The distinct appearance of Iris 'Professor Blaauw' flowers makes them a popular subject for photographers, especially for macro photography, capturing the delicate details and patterns of the petals.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Iris 'Professor Blaauw' can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, adding a burst of color without harming the environment.
- Botanical Illustration: Irises are commonly used in botanical illustration and art due to their intricate form and striking hues, providing a challenge and inspiration for artists.
- Perfume Industry: Although not directly used for scent extraction, the Iris 'Professor Blaauw' can inspire perfume compositions, with its floral notes influencing the development of fragrances.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the petals of the Iris 'Professor Blaauw' can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads and desserts, provided they have not been treated with pesticides.
- Companion Planting: Irises can serve as companion plants in the garden, deterring certain pests and attracting beneficial insects, thus fostering a healthier garden ecosystem.
- Ink Production: The vibrant pigments of the Iris 'Professor Blaauw' may be used in the experimentation of making natural inks for art or writing purposes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dutch Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dutch Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The Iris symbolizes hope, as it is often associated with the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger of the gods and a symbol of communication between heaven and earth.
- Trust: The flower is a token of trust, conveying feelings of belief in someone or something.
- Wisdom: It is associated with wisdom and cherished for its intelligence and respect in the flower world.
- Courage: The Iris also stands for courage due to its bold colors and shapes that stand out in the garden.
- Royalty: With its regal appearance, the Iris is often used to signify royalty and kingly attributes.
WaterDutch Iris 'Professor Blaauw' should be watered thoroughly once a week during its active growth in the spring and summer, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Depending on weather conditions, you may need to adjust the frequency; more often if it's very dry or hot, and less often if it's cool or rainy. Generally, you should aim to provide about one to two gallons of water per week, but be sure to check the soil moisture level before watering again to avoid overwatering. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering significantly and only provide water if the soil becomes completely dry.
LightDutch Iris 'Professor Blaauw' thrives best in full sun where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this iris would be a south-facing garden bed or a west-facing location where the afternoon sun encourages strong growth and vibrant blooms. Avoid planting in deep shade, as this will diminish blooming and may cause poor plant health.
TemperatureDutch Iris 'Professor Blaauw' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around 5°F; however, mulching is recommended to protect the rhizomes from freezing. During the growing season, maintaining average garden temperatures will support the plant's health and flowering.
PruningPrune Dutch Iris 'Professor Blaauw' after blooming by cutting back the flower stalks to the ground to prevent seed formation, which saps energy from the bulbs. Remove any damaged or withered leaves throughout the season to maintain plant health. It is typically not necessary to prune again until the foliage has died back naturally in the late fall or early winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDutch Iris 'Professor Blaauw' prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7. A mix of loamy garden soil, sand, and compost will ensure proper drainage and fertility. Amending with organic matter helps with moisture regulation.
RepottingDutch Iris 'Professor Blaauw' generally does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting is typically done every 3 to 5 years or when clumps become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingDutch Iris 'Professor Blaauw' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements; typical outdoor ambient humidity is sufficient for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure soil is well-drained.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, with moderate water.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleDutch Iris 'Professor Blaauw', like other irises, begins its life as a bulb planted in the fall just before the ground freezes. In the spring, the bulb sends up sword-like leaves followed by a flower stalk that bears the distinctive and colorful iris blooms, which can be blue, violet, or a blend of these colors. After flowering, usually from late spring to early summer, the plant enters a period of photosynthesis and energy storage while the foliage remains green. As summer progresses, the leaves begin to brown and wither as the plant goes dormant, retreating back into the bulb. During dormancy, the bulb can be divided and replanted to propagate new plants. The cycle begins anew the following spring when temperatures rise and the bulbs break dormancy, sending up new growth to start the process over again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Iris 'Professor Blaauw', commonly known as the Dutch Iris, is by dividing the rhizomes. This is typically done in late summer after the plant has bloomed and the foliage has started to wither. To propagate, carefully dig up the clumps of iris rhizomes and gently separate them with your hands or a knife, ensuring that each division has at least one healthy fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizome. The divisions should be replanted promptly at a depth of around 4 inches (10 cm) with the fans of leaves exposed above the soil. It's crucial to maintain moist, fertile soil and provide the transplants with regular water while they establish themselves in their new location.
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