Dwarf Bearded Iris Iris 'Rain Dance' (SDB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Rain Dance' is a captivating variety of the common bearded iris, which is renowned for its distinctive and showy flowers. This ornamental garden plant boasts a stunning display of blooms with rich, deep tones that are reminiscent of a stormy sky. The petals have a unique color palette that combines purple, blue, and violet shades, which often appear to be velvety to the touch. The flowers of Iris 'Rain Dance' have a classic bearded iris form, with three upright petals known as "standards," and three drooping petals called "falls." The falls are beautifully adorned with fuzzy, caterpillar-like structures which are actually the "beards" that give the bearded iris its name. These beards are often in a contrasting hue, such as golden yellow or white, adding to the overall dramatic effect of the bloom. The foliage of Iris 'Rain Dance' is also quite striking, comprising long, sword-shaped leaves that grow in dense clumps. These leaves are a rich, deep green, providing a perfect backdrop which makes the flowers stand out even more prominently when they are in bloom. The leaves are tough and vertically oriented, creating a spiky yet elegant silhouette in the landscape. Overall, Iris 'Rain Dance' has an exotic and robust appearance, captivating onlookers with its bold blooms and contrasting colors. It's a perfect addition to any garden where a touch of dramatic, natural beauty is desired.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae.
- Synonyms
  Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, Iris 'Rain Dance'.
- Common names
  Iris 'Rain Dance' (SDB).
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Rain Dance', commonly known as simply Iris, is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, ingestion of the rhizomes (bulbs) or other plant parts can lead to digestive discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea due to irritating substances such as irisin, iridin, or irisine. While the iris is not typically lethal, consumption should still be avoided, and if symptoms arise, medical attention should be sought.
- To pets
  The Iris 'Rain Dance', commonly known as simply Iris, can be toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. The rhizomes (bulbs) are the most toxic part, and when pets consume them, they may experience symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or abdominal pain. Severe cases may lead to more serious issues such as excessive salivation or difficulty breathing, indicating a possible allergic reaction. If you suspect your pet has ingested iris, it is important to consult with a veterinarian promptly.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  4
- Native area
  Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color to gardens with its striking blue and purple blooms.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, requires less water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Easy to Grow: Adaptable to a variety of soils and requires minimal maintenance.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers are known to attract bees, which are beneficial for garden pollination.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a burst of spring color and can have a second bloom in the fall.
- Compact Size: Being a dwarf variety, it fits well in smaller gardens or as a border plant.
- Deer Resistance: Generally not preferred by deer, reducing the risk of garden damage.
- Fragrance: The blooms can have a light, pleasing scent that adds to the garden sensory experience.
- Longevity: Iris 'Rain Dance' is a perennial, returning year after year with proper care.
- Diversity: Contributes to the biodiversity of the garden with its unique flowers and foliage.
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
- Plant Iris 'Rain Dance' can be used in cut flower arrangements for a pop of color and unique texture that holds up well in vases.
- The rhizomes of the Iris can be dried and used in potpourri mixes to add natural elements and a light, earthy fragrance to your home.
- Iris 'Rain Dance' can be used as a natural dye source; the flowers can produce varying shades of blues and purples for textiles or craft projects.
- The plant's strong structural elements make it an excellent choice for creating garden sculptures or living art by training and shaping as it grows.
- The leaves of the Iris can be woven or braided to create eco-friendly garden ties or natural craft materials.
- The seeds of Iris 'Rain Dance' can be incorporated into homemade bird feed mixes, providing food for wildlife.
- Dried Iris flowers can be used to create botanical prints on paper or fabric using hammering or pressing techniques for artistic projects.
- Iris petals can be used to make a natural, biodegradable confetti for celebrations, reducing the environmental impact of traditional plastic confetti.
- The robust foliage of the Iris can be used as a natural backdrop for photographing smaller plants, insects, or garden features.
- Fallen Iris petals can be collected and used in creating a natural pathway or as decorative mulch in fairy gardens.

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: The iris is often associated with hope due to its vibrant bloom signaling the beginning of a new season.
- Faith: Because of its three petals that can represent different virtues, the iris is sometimes seen as a symbol of faith.
- Wisdom: In some cultures, the iris is connected with wisdom, attributed to the Greek goddess Iris who linked the gods to humanity.
- Purity: The iris's strikingly clear colors and elegant form have made it a symbol of purity.
- Courage: Historically, the iris has represented courage and valor, especially in the context of heraldry.
- Royalty: With its regal appearance, the iris is often associated with royalty and noble values.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer-Early Fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Dwarf bearded irises, like the 'Rain Dance' iris, should be watered deeply to encourage root development, usually requiring about an inch of water per week. During the active growing season in spring and early summer, water them once or twice weekly, especially if the weather is particularly dry. After flowering, reduce watering to help prepare the plants for dormancy. It's important not to overwater as these irises prefer not to sit in wet soil, which can cause root rot. A good rule of thumb is to check the top couple inches of soil; if it's dry, it's time to water again.
Light
Dwarf bearded irises, specifically the 'Rain Dance' variety, thrive best in full sun conditions. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom well. A spot in the garden that receives ample morning sun and some shade in the hottest part of the afternoon is ideal. But even with some afternoon shade, ensure that the location offers enough light to support their growth and flowering needs.
Temperature
The 'Rain Dance' dwarf bearded iris fares well in a range of temperatures, with ideal growth occurring between 68°F and 86°F. They can survive winter temperatures down to about -30°F, which corresponds to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. However, they do need a period of dormancy, which is triggered by colder temperatures in the fall and winter, preparing them for spring growth.
Pruning
Pruning, or deadheading, of the 'Rain Dance' dwarf bearded iris should be done after blooms have faded to encourage more blooms and to prevent seed formation, which can drain energy from the plant. Remove individual spent flowers and cut back flower stalks to the base once all the flowers on the stalk have finished blooming. In late fall, trim back foliage to a few inches above the ground to tidy up the plant and help prevent disease.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Standard Bearded Iris require well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand is often recommended to provide the necessary drainage and nutrient balance.
Repotting
Standard Bearded Iris, such as Iris 'Rain Dance', generally do not need regular repotting and can thrive in the same location for several years. They should be divided and replanted about every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plants.
Humidity & Misting
The Standard Bearded Iris prefers a typical garden environment with average humidity levels; they do not require high humidity and can tolerate dry air conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and cool temperatures.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and provide moderate water.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of an Iris 'Rain Dance', also known as Dwarf Bearded Iris, begins with seed germination, where seeds require a period of stratification before they sprout. Once germinated, the seedlings grow and develop a rhizome which is the plant's primary storage organ. Over time, the rhizome produces long, narrow leaves and new shoots that will eventually bloom. The dwarf bearded iris typically flowers in late spring, showcasing its distinctive blue-violet blooms with a splash of white. After flowering, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, where it stores energy in the rhizome for the next season. Finally, the iris enters dormancy in winter, reducing metabolic activity until favorable conditions return in spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer-Early Fall
- Propogation: The Iris 'Rain Dance', part of the group known as Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, is typically propagated through division. The best time to propagate this plant is late summer, after flowering has finished and the plant has had time to build up energy reserves. To propagate, carefully dig up the clump of irises, ensuring not to damage the rhizomes. Wash the dirt off to see the rhizomes clearly and using a sharp, clean knife, cut them apart, making sure each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of rhizome. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height, which is around six to eight inches (15 to 20 centimeters), to prevent moisture loss. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and proper air circulation. Water the newly planted divisions well to help them establish in their new location.