Iris Iris 'Staplehurst' (MTB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Staplehurst' (MTB) is a captivating perennial plant whose main feature is the unique and striking flowers it produces. The flowers of this Miniature Tall Bearded Iris exhibit a beautiful combination of colors, typically with petals that may range from soft lavender to deep violet hues. These blooms have a classic iris shape, with three upright petals known as standards and three downward-curving petals called falls, creating a delightful contrast in form and color. The falls often display a lighter or white area near the center, which may be adorned with delicate veining or spotting. The graceful standards rise above the falls, drawing the eyes upward. At the center of the flower, one can notice the beard, a fuzzy line that may be a contrasting color, such as gold or white, adding to the flower's charm. The foliage of Iris 'Staplehurst' presents as slender, sword-like leaves, which typically form a dense clump. These leaves are often a deep green color that provides an attractive, vertical architectural element in the garden, complementing the vibrant flowers. The leaves remain attractive during the growing season, offering a lush background that accentuates the blossoms. Iris 'Staplehurst' blooms in the late spring to early summer, depending on the climate and conditions, presenting an eye-catching display for a few glorious weeks. The exquisite flowers and sophisticated foliage make this plant a popular choice for borders, beds, and as a specimen among other garden plants. It's also favored for its ability to bring color and vertical interest to the garden.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Miniature Tall Bearded Iris, MTB Iris, Table Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Staplehurst' (MTB).
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Staplehurst', commonly known as Iris, contains irisin, iridin, or irisine which can be toxic if ingested. The most common symptoms of Iris poisoning can include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation upon contact. In severe cases, consuming large amounts of the plant can lead to more significant digestive tract irritation and other systemic effects. It is important to handle with care and avoid ingesting any part of the plant.
- To pets
  The Iris 'Staplehurst', commonly referred to as Iris, is considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The toxic compounds, including irisin, iridin, or irisine, can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain if ingested. In severe cases, ingestion can result in more serious symptoms such as increased heart rate and respiratory distress. It is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the Iris plant to avoid these toxic effects.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
- Spread
  6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its vibrant, colorful flowers.
- Attracts Wildlife: Invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Easy Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Resistant: Tolerates dry conditions well, thereby reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides visual interest throughout its blooming season, typically in spring or early summer.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of garden styles, including borders, rock gardens, and as cut flowers.
- Cold Hardy: Survives in colder climates, making it a robust choice for many garden zones.
- Perennial Growth: Returns year after year, offering long-term presence in the garden.
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
- In floral arrangements, the Iris 'Staplehurst' can provide a unique structure and color that can add an elegant touch to both fresh and dried floral compositions.
- As a natural dye, petals of the Iris 'Staplehurst' may be used to produce a range of colors from yellows to purples, often used in traditional textile dyeing.
- In photography, the striking appearance of the Iris 'Staplehurst' makes it a popular subject for botanical photographers looking for intricate details and vibrant colors.
- In landscaping, the Iris 'Staplehurst' can be used as a border plant to create defined lines and contrasts in garden designs.
- For crafts, dried pieces of the Iris 'Staplehurst' can be incorporated into homemade paper to create an attractive, textured effect.
- In culinary uses, while not commonly eaten, some iris petals can be crystallized for decorative purposes on desserts, but one must ensure they are safe and free from pesticides.
- As a natural pest repellent, the Iris 'Staplehurst' when planted can sometimes deter certain types of rodents and deer from gardens due to its fragrance.
- In perfumery, while not as common as other flowers, the Iris 'Staplehurst' can be used as an inspiration for scents or included in bespoke, handmade fragrances.
- For educational purposes, the Iris 'Staplehurst' can serve as an example in botany and horticulture classes to elucidate the characteristics of the Iridaceae family.
- In art, the shape and color of the Iris 'Staplehurst' petals can inspire patterns and motifs used in fabric designs, wallpaper, and other decorative arts.

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: Irises often symbolize hope, reflecting the flower's ability to bring assurance of a new season or a positive change.
- Courage: Given the plant's hardy nature, the iris can represent courage as it endures and thrives in various conditions.
- Wisdom: Historically emblematic of royalty and the divine, irises can convey wisdom, a quality frequently associated with leaders and deities.
- Faith: The iris is sometimes associated with faith due to its reliability to bloom and bring color after a long winter, much like the faith one holds in difficult times.
- Purity: With its striking appearance and vibrant colors, the iris can symbolize purity and innocence, similar to other brightly colored, elegant flowers.
- Royalty: In ancient times, the iris was a symbol of power and majesty, often connected to the French monarchy as the fleur-de-lis.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer - Early Fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Miniature Tall Bearded Irises like 'Staplehurst' should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth, which means providing enough water to penetrate the top 8 inches of soil. During the growing season, watering should happen once a week, depending on weather conditions and soil type. If the week is particularly hot or windy, you may need to water more frequently. It is important not to overwater as Iris rhizomes are prone to rot if they stay too moist. On average, providing about a gallon of water per plant per watering session is sufficient to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Light
Miniature Tall Bearded Irises, including the 'Staplehurst', perform best in full sun conditions. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive and produce vibrant blooms. When choosing a planting spot, ensure it's an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for the better part of the day.
Temperature
The 'Staplehurst' Miniature Tall Bearded Iris prefers temperate climates and grows best in temperatures between 30°F and 80°F. They can tolerate winter temperatures down to about 10°F but may need protection in colder areas. It is essential that the planting site does not stay too warm in winter as irises require a period of dormancy with cooler temperatures to bloom successfully.
Pruning
Miniature Tall Bearded Irises such as 'Staplehurst' should be pruned to remove any dead foliage and spent flower stems after blooming to promote healthy growth and prevent disease. Pruning is also necessary to thin out crowded clumps, which is best done every 3 to 4 years. The ideal time for pruning and dividing Iris clumps is late summer to early fall.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for the Miniature Tall Bearded Iris, commonly known as Iris 'Staplehurst', should be well-draining with some organic matter included. A mixture of loamy soil with added compost or well-rotted manure will promote healthy growth. The soil pH should ideally be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.
Repotting
Miniature Tall Bearded Iris like Iris 'Staplehurst' typically do not need frequent repotting and are generally repotted every 2 to 5 years. They should be divided and repotted when the clumps become overcrowded or when the flowering diminishes.
Humidity & Misting
Iris 'Staplehurst' prefers average outdoor humidity levels. While the specific humidity level is not critical for Miniature Tall Bearded Irises, they thrive in environments that replicate their natural outdoor conditions, where the humidity fluctuates naturally.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Staplehurst', commonly known as a type of Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) iris, commences its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification will germinate when exposed to favorable conditions, sprouting into a seedling. The seedling then develops into a juvenile plant, producing characteristic grass-like leaves and establishing a strong root system. As the iris matures, it forms a rhizome, which is a horizontal stem under the soil that stores nutrients and produces new growth. The plant reaches its reproductive stage, commonly in late spring to early summer, where it produces distinctive flowers that can be violet or blue, often with a pleasant fragrance. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers produce seeds and the plant may also propagate vegetatively by division of rhizomes. The iris enters a period of dormancy in the late fall and winter, conserving energy to restart the growth cycle in the spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer - Early Fall
- Propogation: The Iris 'Staplehurst', commonly referred to as a Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) iris, is often propagated in late summer after the blooming season has finished, generally from July to September. The most popular method for propagating this plant is by division of its rhizomes. To do this, carefully dig up the iris clumps and wash off any soil to reveal the rhizomes. Healthy rhizomes should be firm and have a whitish appearance, ideally with one or more growth points, or "fans." Using a sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into sections, making sure each section has at least one fan and a portion of the roots. Let the cuts dry for a day or so to form a callus, which helps prevent rot. Replant the rhizome sections at ground level, spacing them about 8 to 12 inches apart (20 to 30 cm), with the fans facing upwards and the roots spread out. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This will encourage new growth and increase the chances of the divisions taking root and growing into new, vigorous plants.