Dwarf Bearded Iris Iris 'Pumpin' Iron' (SDB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Pumpin' Iron' (SDB), known commonly as the dwarf bearded iris, features a striking appearance characterized by its bold and contrasting colors. The flowers present a vivid display with the upper parts, or standards, typically showing off a deep, rich tone such as purple, maroon, or burgundy. The lower parts, or falls, often exhibit a contrasting, lighter shade which may include yellows, whites, or peachy hues that shimmer against the darker standards. Adding to their allure, the falls are also graced with the distinct beard, a fuzzy line or patch that can be brightly colored in orange or yellow, often creating a striking counterpoint to the base color of the petals. The foliage is composed of long, slender, green leaves that gracefully arch out from the base of the stalks, giving an impression of movement and elegance to the overall structure of the plant. Together, the blooms and foliage create a stunning, vibrant display that adds a punch of color to any garden.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, Miniature Iris, Table Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Pumpkin' Iron' (SDB).
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Pumpin' Iron' (SDB) is part of the iris family. Irises are generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, all parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes (underground stems), can cause irritation if ingested. Symptoms of iris poisoning may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is important to handle the plant with care to avoid skin irritation, and ingestion, particularly by children or pets, should be avoided.
- To pets
  The Iris 'Pumpin' Iron' (SDB) is part of the iris family. Irises can be toxic to pets, particularly the rhizomes (underground stems) which contain irritants. If a pet ingests part of an iris, they may show signs of toxicity such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Contact with the plant can also result in skin irritation. It is advised to keep the plant out of reach of pets and to consult a veterinarian if a pet has ingested any part of the plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  1 feet (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 feet (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive blooms: Iris 'Pumpkin' Iron' features eye-catching flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care apart from occasional watering and deadheading, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Cold hardy: It can tolerate cold temperatures, allowing it to be grown in various climates and extending its growing range.
- Pollinator-friendly: Attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
- Compact size: As a Small Dwarf Bearded Iris, it is suitable for small gardens or containers, where space might be limited.
- Seasonal interest: Provides vibrant seasonal color in the spring when the plant blooms, enhancing the seasonal dynamics of a landscape.
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
- Photography and Art Subjects: With its unique coloration and structure, iris often serves as an inspiring subject for photographers and artists looking to capture the beauty of nature in their work.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of iris can be used as a decorative garnish to add a splash of color to culinary dishes, though it's vital to ensure the variety is safe for consumption.
- Natural Dyes: Certain iris species can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, and other materials, often producing shades of blue, purple, or yellow.
- Educational Tool: Irises can be used in schools and educational programs to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and the diversity of plant species.
- Floristry: Irises are popular in floristry for creating vibrant and elegant floral arrangements, bouquets, and centerpieces for events and special occasions.
- Garden Ponds: Certain types of iris are suited for planting around garden ponds, adding aesthetic appeal and possibly contributing to the ecosystem by providing habitat for wildlife.
- Perfume Industry: Some iris species are used in the perfume industry, particularly their rhizomes (orris root), which are processed to produce a key fragrance ingredient.
- Thematic Gardens: Irises can be featured in thematic gardens, such as a "blue garden" or a historical garden showcasing plant varieties that have been popular through the ages.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Dried parts of the iris plant can be used innovatively for eco-friendly packaging materials or as a natural filling for biodegradable stuffed toys and pillows.
- Mascot or Emblem: Irises can serve as a mascot or emblem for various organizations, particularly gardening clubs and societies, symbolizing passion and a connection to horticulture.

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: Iris flowers often represent hope, with their vibrant blooms heralding the return of spring and signifying new beginnings.
- Wisdom: The name "Iris" is derived from the Greek word for rainbow, which in Greek mythology was a messenger of the gods and a symbol of wisdom and communication between heaven and earth.
- Courage: The Iris 'Pumpin' Iron' variety, with its robust and hardy growth, can symbolize courage and admiration for its ability to endure and thrive.
- Faith: The iris is frequently associated with faith across various cultures due to its enduring qualities and its perennial nature representing consistent belief.
- Royalty: The deep, regal hues of many iris flowers are reminiscent of royalty, conveying a sense of majesty and nobility.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Dwarf Bearded Irises, like the 'Pumpkin Iron' variety, should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, especially if the week is dry. They require about one inch of water, which is approximately half a gallon for each square foot of soil. During the dormancy period in colder months, reduce watering significantly as the plant requires less moisture. Ensure the soil around the irises is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which could lead to root rot. It's also critical to avoid overhead watering to prevent the foliage from getting wet, which could promote disease.
Light
Dwarf Bearded Irises such as 'Pumpkin Iron' thrive best in full sun conditions. They require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce their colorful blooms. A spot that receives ample morning sun and partial afternoon shade can also be suitable, as it protects the irises from the intense heat of late afternoons. Nevertheless, too much shade can impede flowering and lead to disease, making a sunny location ideal.
Temperature
'Pumpkin Iron' Irises are hardy and can withstand a wide temperature range. They can survive minimum winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle summer temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperature for these dwarf bearded irises is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As long as the soil is not frozen, they can be planted or divided.
Pruning
Pruning Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Pumpkin Iron' is mostly about removing spent blooms and cutting back foliage. After blooms have faded, snip off the flower stalks down to the base to tidy up the plant and redirect energy. In late fall, trim the foliage to several inches to prevent overwintering diseases and pests. Pruning is typically done annually, and the best time to cut back foliage is post-flowering and again as the plant goes dormant.
Cleaning
Not needed
Soil
For Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Pumpin' Iron', a well-draining soil mix that can retain some moisture is ideal. Incorporate a blend of loamy soil, coarse sand, and compost to provide adequate drainage and fertility. The optimal soil pH for Dwarf Bearded Iris should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.8 to 7.0.
Repotting
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Pumpin' Iron' is generally not repotted often once established, as they are perennials that grow from rhizomes. They should be divided and replanted every 3 to 5 years to avoid overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant.
Humidity & Misting
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Pumpin' Iron' is adaptable to various humidity conditions and does well in the typical outdoor humidity levels experienced in its growing regions. Humidity is less critical compared to proper watering and drainage.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, limited watering for Dwarf Bearded Iris.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil, moderate watering, space rhizomes for Dwarf Bearded Iris.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA.
Life cycle
The Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Pumpkin Iron' begins its life cycle as a rhizome, which is a type of bulb-like underground stem, typically planted in late summer to early autumn. After planting, the rhizome sprouts roots and foliage, with narrow leaves emerging and establishing a fan-like pattern before winter. In spring, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing vibrant flowers on stalks that can reach about 12-15 inches tall, usually blooming in mid to late spring. After the blooming period, the plant continues to photosynthesize throughout the summer to store energy, then as temperatures drop in autumn, the iris enters a period of dormancy. The foliage may die back during this stage, and the rhizome remains dormant underground through the winter. The next growing season, the rhizome may produce offshoots, leading to the natural propagation and continuation of the life cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer
- The Iris 'Pumpkin' Iron' (SDB), which belongs to the group of Standard Dwarf Bearded Irises, is most commonly propagated through division. The best time to divide and propagate these irises is after flowering, in late summer to early fall, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizome. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump and wash the soil off the rhizomes. Using a sharp knife, cut the rhizomes apart so that each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a healthy segment of root. Plant the divisions at least 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart and at a depth where the top of the rhizome is just visible at the soil surface. Water in well after planting and maintain moisture until new growth indicates the divisions have established.