Dwarf Iris Iris 'Purple Landscape' (SDB)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Purple Landscape' is a part of the Iris family known for its distinctive and visually striking flowers. Its blossoms are primarily a deep, rich purple that can appear almost velvety in texture. Each flower is composed of three upright petals called standards which are often lighter at their bases, and three downward-curving petals called falls, which are more uniformly colored and may showcase a slightly ruffled or wavy edge, adding to their graceful appearance. Contrasting with the deep purple of the petals, the center of the flower includes a beard, a fuzzy line that seems to guide pollinators into the heart of the bloom. This beard is typically a lighter color, often yellow or white, that provides an attractive highlight against the darker petals. The flowers are supported by sturdy stems that rise above the foliage. The foliage of the Iris 'Purple Landscape' consists of long, slender, sword-like leaves that maintain a bright green color. They are arranged in a fan-like formation, emerging from thick rhizomes typically hidden just beneath the surface of the soil. These leaves can provide an attractive backdrop for the flowers and help create a dense, lush appearance to the plant even when it is not in bloom. Collectively, these features, the rich purple flowers with their delicate beards and the dense green foliage, make the Iris 'Purple Landscape' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of dramatic color and elegance to their garden landscapes without focusing on the plant's specific dimensions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, SDB Iris
Common names
Iris 'Purple Landscape' (SDB).
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name of Iris 'Purple Landscape' (SDB) is Dwarf Bearded Iris. Dwarf Bearded Iris are not considered highly toxic to humans, but they can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. The rhizomes (the bulb-like parts) are the most likely to cause issues, as they can contain compounds that may induce nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if consumed. Handling the plant, particularly the rhizomes, can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It's advised to avoid ingesting any part of the Dwarf Bearded Iris to prevent these possible symptoms.
To pets
The common name of Iris 'Purple Landscape' (SDB) is Dwarf Bearded Iris. The Dwarf Bearded Iris plant is considered to be mildly poisonous to pets, such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of this plant, particularly the rhizomes, they may experience symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. In rare cases, more severe signs such as abdominal pain may occur. It is advisable to keep pets away from the Dwarf Bearded Iris to prevent potential toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators - The Iris 'Purple Landscape' is known for attracting bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and the health of the ecosystem.
- Landscape Design - With its striking purple flowers, this plant is popular in garden design, adding a splash of color to beds, borders, and rock gardens.
- Low Maintenance - It is considered to be a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, it has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy - This plant can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates.
- Soil Versatility - It can grow in a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained conditions.
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 'Purple Landscape' can offer a vibrant color palette for painters and illustrators to incorporate in their artwork.
- Photography subject: The striking blooms can be the focal point in photography, perfect for practicing macro and nature photography skills.
- Floral arrangements: Use the cut flowers from the iris in bouquets or table centerpieces to add a pop of color to any décor.
- Fabric dye: The petals can potentially be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, providing a unique purple hue.
- Ink making: Similar to fabric dye, the petals’ pigment can be used to make natural inks for drawing or writing.
- Garden design: Incorporate Iris 'Purple Landscape' as part of a color-themed garden design or to create striking contrast amongst green foliage.
- Culinary decoration: Though not for consumption, the flowers can be used to embellish plates for a sophisticated presentation in culinary dishes.
- Education: Use these irises in educational settings to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and pollination processes.
- Fragrance extraction: The iris’ scent can be captured for perfumes or aromatherapy oils (though it should be done carefully to avoid allergies).
- Crafting: The dried petals can be incorporated into crafts, like making homemade paper or potpourri.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Royalty: The deep purple color of the Iris 'Purple Landscape' is often associated with majesty and royal lineage, reflecting an air of nobility and luxury.
- Wisdom: Irises are traditionally regarded as a symbol of wisdom and valued for their elegant appearance, which can suggest a profound understanding and intelligence.
- Hope: Irises can symbolize hope and cherished expectations, often used to convey a sense of optimism for the future.
- Faith: The iris is commonly seen as a representation of faith, denoting belief and trust in something greater than oneself.
- Courage: In some cultures, the strong and upright posture of the iris reflects courage and the ability to stand firm in the face of adversity.
- Messages: Since ancient times, the iris has been seen as a messenger plant, symbolizing communication and the conveyance of news or messages.
WaterDwarf bearded irises, including the Iris 'Purple Landscape', typically require moderate watering during their active growth and blooming period, which is in the spring and early summer. They should be watered deeply to encourage root development, approximately once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry. The amount needed per watering session may vary based on your soil type, but generally, they will benefit from about one inch of water per week, which equates to about 0.6 gallons per square yard. Adjust the frequency and volume during periods of rainfall or drought, ensuring the soil does not remain waterlogged as irises prefer well-draining conditions.
LightDwarf bearded irises, like the Iris 'Purple Landscape', thrive best in full sun conditions, meaning they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Ideal spots for these plants are in an open garden bed or along a border that has clear exposure to sunlight without shade from trees or buildings. Equipping these irises with ample sunlight helps to ensure vigorous growth and an abundance of blooms.
TemperatureDwarf bearded irises, such as the Iris 'Purple Landscape', are hardy plants capable of withstanding a range of temperatures. They perform best in regions where the temperature generally stays between 40°F and 85°F. These irises can survive winter temperatures as low as -10°F, but ideally, they should not be exposed to sustained periods of extreme cold or intense heat above 90°F.
PruningPruning dwarf bearded irises, including the Iris 'Purple Landscape', serves to maintain plant health and aesthetic appeal. After blooming, prune the flower stalks down to the base to tidy up the plant and redirect energy to the rhizome. In late summer or early fall, prune leaves that are brown or damaged to prevent disease. Pruning is best done annually or as needed to remove spent blooms and for general plant cleanup.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDwarf Bearded Iris, including the 'Purple Landscape', thrive best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A good mix might include loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage.
RepottingDwarf Bearded Iris like 'Purple Landscape' rarely need repotting; instead, they require division every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and flower production.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Bearded Iris, including 'Purple Landscape', are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements, as they are generally grown outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure sufficient light and air flow for 'Purple Landscape' Iris indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Purple Landscape' Iris in full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of Iris 'Purple Landscape', commonly known as a dwarf bearded iris, begins with seed germination when conditions of moisture and temperature are favorable, usually in late summer or fall. The seed develops into a seedling, which will establish a root system and shoot up new growth - typically sword-like leaves. As the plant matures, rhizomes form under the soil which store energy for growth and multiplication. After a period of vegetative growth, the iris reaches the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing its signature purple flowers. Post-bloom, the flowers wither, and the plant focuses on strengthening the rhizomes for the next growing season. Finally, the iris plant enters a period of dormancy in the winter, conserving energy to restart the life cycle with the return of favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Iris 'Purple Landscape', a Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, is most commonly propagated through division. The best time to divide and propagate this iris is late summer to early fall, several weeks after blooming has finished but well before the first frost. To propagate, carefully dig up the iris clumps and gently separate the rhizomes (the thick, horizontal stems that grow underground), ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their original length to reduce transpiration stress and replant the divisions about 12 to 24 inches (approximately 30 to 61 centimeters) apart and with the rhizome slightly exposed to the sun. Water the new plantings well to help them establish. This method encourages rejuvenation of the plant and can lead to more vigorous growth in the following season.
