Bearded Iris Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' (BB)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
iris 'Sparkling Lemonade'

ABOUT

Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' is a captivating plant known for its unique and vibrant flowers which boast a delightful blend of colors. The blooms exhibit a lemon-yellow hue, often with a shimmery or sparkling effect that catches the light, hence its name. These flowers typically have multiple petals, arranged in a symmetrical formation that adds to their ornate appearance. Each petal has a smooth, almost velvety texture, and can be adorned with delicate veining or subtle color variations that contribute to the overall beauty of the blossom. The foliage of Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' is also notable, with elongated, sword-like leaves that create an attractive backdrop for the stunning blooms. These leaves are typically a rich, deep green color, which contrasts beautifully with the bright yellow of the flowers. The shape of the leaves tends to be somewhat upright and slender, giving the plant a graceful and poised look, even when not in flower. Overall, Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' is a showy and elegant plant that is highly sought after for its ornamental value. It adds a splash of color and charisma to any garden space and is often used as a highlight among other garden plants or in floral arrangements.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae

    • Synonyms

      Border Bearded Iris, BB Iris

    • Common names

      Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' (BB)

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' is a variety of bearded iris. Bearded iris plants contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. While they are not highly toxic to humans, consuming parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of this plant to prevent these unpleasant symptoms.

    • To pets

      Bearded iris, including the variety 'Sparkling Lemonade', can be toxic to pets if ingested. Consuming the rhizomes is particularly risky and can lead to gastrointestinal upset in animals. Symptoms of iris poisoning in pets may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion can cause more serious effects, so it is important to prevent pets from accessing and consuming parts of the plant.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Yellow

    • Height

      2 feet 4 inches (71 cm)

    • Spread

      1 feet 6 inches (46 cm)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      4

    • Native area

      Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Attractive Flowers: Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' boasts vibrant yellow blossoms that add a splash of color to any garden space.
    • Easy to Grow: This variety of iris is known for being relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal upkeep.
    • Drought Resistance: Once established, Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
    • Pest Resilience: Irises are generally resistant to deer and other pests, reducing the need for chemical repellents.
    • Seasonal Interest: This plant blooms in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal interest in the garden.
    • Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a range of soil types, although well-drained soil is preferred.
    • Border Enhancement: Ideal for borders, the vertical form and striking colors of the iris can highlight garden edges.
    • Hummingbird and Butterfly Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators, benefiting the local ecosystem.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' can be used as a natural fabric dye, yielding subtle yellow to green hues depending on the mordant used.
    • The fibers from these plants may be utilized in traditional paper-making processes, providing a unique texture to the handmade paper.
    • The blooms can be included in perfumery for their light and refreshing scent, which is reminiscent of lemon and floral notes.
    • Pressed iris flowers from 'Sparkling Lemonade' create beautiful components for botanical art, preserving the delicate details of the petals.
    • These irises can be used as a natural pH indicator in educational science experiments, as the petal's color might change in response to different pH levels.
    • Iris rhizomes have historically been used in the art of perfumery to create 'orris root,' which can be experimented with using 'Sparkling Lemonade' variety to achieve distinctive fragrances.
    • The plant can be incorporated into eco-friendly burial options, where its biodegradable nature helps in the decomposition process.
    • As a natural pest deterrent, 'Sparkling Lemonade' irises can be planted in gardens to ward off certain insects without the need for harmful chemicals.
    • The sturdy leaves of the iris can be woven or braided into small baskets or decorative crafts for home decor.
    • Floral chefs can use the petals as a colorful and elegant garnish for desserts and salads, provided they're free of pesticides and safe for human consumption.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Iris is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Hope: Iris generally symbolizes hope due to its springtime blooming and its resilience in various growing conditions.
    • Faith: The three petals of an iris are said to represent faith, wisdom, and valor, with faith being a prominent theme.
    • Wisdom: In historical symbology, the iris is often associated with wisdom and cherished for its innate intelligence and sophistication.
    • Purity: The iris, specifically in lighter colors such as the lemony hue of 'Sparkling Lemonade', is often linked with purity and innocence.
    • Royalty: The elegant form and regal stance of the iris can symbolize royalty, as the fleur-de-lis, a stylized iris, has been used as a royal emblem for centuries.

💧
Every 5-7 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 3-5 years
Repotting
🌱️
Late Summer to Early Fall
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Bearded irises like Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' prefer not to be overwatered. It's important to keep their soil moist, but never soggy, especially during the growing season in spring and early summer. Water the irises deeply about once a week, providing about one gallon per square yard, depending on weather conditions. Reduced watering as the plant goes dormant is advisable. During the rainy season or cooler months, you may need to water less frequently. Ensure that the garden area where the iris is planted has good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the rhizomes, which can cause rot.

  • sunLight

    Bearded Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' thrives best in full sun conditions. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom well. A spot that receives morning sunlight is ideal as it helps dry the dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid planting them in areas with dappled shade or full shade as this will negatively impact their flowering ability.

  • thermometerTemperature

    The Bearded Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' is quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive winter temperatures as low as -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, but it prefers growing in the warmer spring and summer range of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for this iris are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but ensure that they are not subjected to prolonged periods of heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • scissorsPruning

    Pruning or deadheading Bearded Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' encourages the plant to direct its energy towards the growth of new blooms and rhizomes. Remove spent blooms and cut back flower stalks to the base after blooming. In late summer or fall, trim away any damaged or diseased leaves. Additionally, every 3 to 5 years, divide and prune the rhizomes to rejuvenate the plant and encourage vigorous growth.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The best soil mix for Tall Bearded Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' is well-draining, loamy soil with moderate fertility, neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0). More organic matter can be added to improve soil structure.

  • plantRepotting

    Tall Bearded Irises typically do not require frequent repotting. They should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Irises like 'Sparkling Lemonade' prefer average humidity levels and do not require any special humidity considerations as long as they are planted in well-draining soil.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Ensure full sun by a window and good air circulation.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in sun-rich spot with well-drained soil.

  • circleLife cycle

    Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' (BB), commonly known as Border Bearded Iris, typically begins its life cycle when the rhizomes are planted in well-drained soil in late summer to early fall. The rhizomes germinate and establish roots before winter, during which they lie dormant. In early spring, foliage begins to emerge, followed by the development of tall stems and flower buds. The iris blooms in late spring to early summer, displaying its colorful yellow flowers. After flowering, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, where it continues to produce leaves and store energy in the rhizomes. Eventually, the foliage dies back in the fall, and the plant goes dormant again, until the next growing season.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Late Summer to Early Fall

    • The most popular method of propagation for Iris 'Sparkling Lemonade' (BB), commonly referred to as Border Bearded Iris, is through division of the rhizomes. This is typically done after the flowering season has ended, usually late summer or early fall. You would carefully dig up the Iris clumps, making sure not to damage the rhizomes. Using a clean, sharp knife, divide the rhizomes by cutting them apart, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots attached. Trimming the leaves to about one-third of their original length, which is approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters), helps to reduce water loss and makes the plant easier to manage. The rhizome divisions can then be replanted into well-draining soil, with the top of the rhizome slightly exposed to the air, and should be watered in thoroughly to help establish them. It is important to space the divisions about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 centimeters) to provide enough room for growth.

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