Dwarf Iris Iris 'Pure Allure' (SDB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Pure Allure' is a captivating plant known for its beautiful and distinctive flowers. The blooms of this Iris feature three large, upright petals called standards, which are typically a creamy white or pale yellow shade, imbued with a soft luminosity. In contrast, the falls, which are the three lower petals, gracefully hang down, and they often exhibit a richer, buttery yellow hue that can draw the eye with its chromatic warmth. Each of the falls is adorned with delicate veining or a wash of deeper color, which can sometimes appear as a network of fine lines converging towards the petal's center, creating a striking visual effect. At the base of each fall, there's a design element known as a beard, which is a fuzzy, caterpillar-like line that may have an orange or golden tone, adding another layer of interest to the flower. The foliage of Iris 'Pure Allure' consists of long, sword-shaped leaves that emerge from the base of the plant, creating a dense clump. These leaves are a rich green color, contributing to the plant's overall lushness, and provide an elegant backdrop to the elegant blooms. Flowering in late spring to early summer, Iris 'Pure Allure' carries its blossoms aloft, making them prominent and easy to admire. The plant produces several flower buds on each stem, ensuring a delightful succession of blooms over the flowering period. Overall, Iris 'Pure Allure' has an essence of subtle sophistication and charm, with its lovely flowers and vibrant foliage. It is often planted as a focal point in gardens or used in floral arrangements to capture the graceful allure inherently suggested by its name.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, SDB Iris
Common names
Iris 'Pure Allure'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Iris 'Pure Allure' is a type of dwarf bearded iris. Irises are generally considered to have low toxicity for humans. However, if ingested, parts of the plant, especially the rhizomes, can cause mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to the presence of irisin, a compound found in the plant.
To pets
The dwarf bearded iris, like other irises, can be toxic to pets if ingested. The rhizomes are the most toxic part of the plant. If a pet consumes parts of the iris, they may exhibit symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious issues like depression of the central nervous system. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or consuming the plant to avoid potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Iris 'Pure Allure' adds beauty to gardens with its delicate white blooms and contrasting beard.
- Compact Size: As a Standard Dwarf Bearded (SDB) Iris, it is suitable for smaller gardens or borders without overwhelming the space.
- Ease of Cultivation: This variety is known for being hardy and relatively easy to grow, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardening.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late spring, providing a seasonal display when many other plants are not yet in flower.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, which are important for the health of 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- Artistic Inspiration: Iris 'Pure Allure' can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, providing a stunning subject for their works with its delicate petals and vibrant color.
- Eco-Friendly Dye: The petals of the Iris 'Pure Allure' can be used to create natural dyes for clothing or artwork, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical dyes.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers can be used as a decorative and edible garnish in high-end culinary dishes, adding a touch of elegance and color.
- Botanical Education: This plant can be used in botanical gardens and educational programs to teach about plant hybridization and gardening techniques.
- Garden Design: The Iris 'Pure Allure' can be strategically planted in gardens to create a visually appealing pattern or color scheme.
- Fragrance Extraction: Its scent can be captured and used in the production of perfumes or scented candles, although it is less common with this specific variety.
- Crafting: Dried petals of the Iris 'Pure Allure' can be used in crafting, such as in making potpourri or embedded within paper for a unique texture and appearance.
- Sustainable Packaging: The fibers from Iris 'Pure Allure' leaves can be explored as a material for creating eco-friendly packaging options.
- Floral Arranging: Iris 'Pure Allure' can be used in floristry for creating sophisticated and contemporary flower arrangements and bouquets.
- Horticultural Therapy: This Iris can be included in therapeutic gardening programs, where its care and beauty help to improve mental health and well-being.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Irises commonly symbolize hope, embodying the anticipation for a hopeful future.
- Wisdom: They are often associated with wisdom, representing knowledge and valuable insights.
- Trust: The Iris is symbolic of trust, highlighting the importance of faith in relationships and beliefs.
- Royalty: Historically, the Iris has been linked to royalty and regal bearing, possibly because of its commanding appearance.
- Courage: In some cultures, the Iris denotes courage, acknowledging the bravery required to trust and hope.
- Purity: The specific Iris 'Pure Allure' suggests purity by its name and can be seen symbolizing cleanliness, innocence, and unadulterated beauty.
WaterDwarf bearded irises like Iris 'Pure Allure' prefer to be kept evenly moist, especially during the growth and bloom seasons, which are spring and early summer. It is best to water these plants deeply once or twice a week, providing about one inch of water each time, which translates to approximately 0.6 gallons for a square foot of soil. However, the frequency may need to increase during particularly hot or dry weather. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent issues with rot; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the rhizomes dry. Be cautious not to overwater, as these irises do not like soggy conditions, and always ensure good drainage.
LightDwarf bearded irises, including Iris 'Pure Allure', thrive best in full sun conditions. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to bloom well. The ideal spot for these plants is in a garden area that receives uninterrupted sun throughout the day. Avoid planting in shaded or heavily tree-covered areas, as too little light can hamper flower production and overall health.
TemperatureDwarf bearded irises, such as Iris 'Pure Allure', are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures; they can survive winter lows down to about -10°F and summer highs well over 90°F. The ideal growing temperatures for these irises are between 55°F and 75°F, but they are quite adaptable as long as they are not exposed to prolonged periods of extreme heat without adequate moisture.
PruningPruning dwarf bearded irises, like Iris 'Pure Allure', involves removing spent flower stems after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. Additionally, in late summer or early fall after the blooming season, trim any damaged or diseased leaves, and cut back the foliage to about 6 inches to discourage overwintering pests and diseases. Division of the plant every three to five years in late summer helps rejuvenate and provide space for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDwarf Bearded Iris prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix would be loamy garden soil with added coarse sand and compost for nutrients and improved drainage.
RepottingDwarf Bearded Iris typically does not need frequent repotting and can be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and blooming.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Bearded Iris thrives in average outdoor humidity levels and does not require specific humidity adjustments as long as soil moisture is well-managed.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Pure Allure' begins with seed germination, which occurs when the seed comes into contact with moist soil and suitable temperatures, leading to the emergence of a tiny shoot and roots. This is followed by the vegetative growth stage, where the plant develops leaves and a strong root system to support future growth. The next stage is the formation of a rhizome, an underground stem from which new shoots and roots emerge. After a period of maturation, the iris produces distinctive flowers usually in late spring or early summer, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. If pollination is successful, the flowers will produce seeds, completing the sexual reproduction cycle. Finally, the iris enters into a period of dormancy in late fall or winter, conserving energy to begin the cycle anew in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Autumn
Propogation: The Iris 'Pure Allure', known more commonly as a type of Dwarf Bearded Iris, is often propagated by division. The ideal time for propagation is after blooming, during late summer to early fall. To propagate by division, the rhizomes of the plant are dug up and separated into smaller pieces, making sure each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the root system. The divisions are then replanted into well-draining soil with the rhizomes slightly exposed to the air, as burying them too deeply can lead to rot. This method ensures genetic consistency and is preferred among gardeners for maintaining the distinct characteristics of 'Pure Allure'. Care must be taken to allow for adequate space between the new plantings for air circulation and to reduce the potential for disease.
