Dwarf Iris Iris 'Stinger' (SDB)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Iris 'Stinger' is a remarkable variety in the Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris category, appreciated for its striking coloration and floral characteristics. Its blooms carry a bold appeal, often featuring deep, rich purple hues that may appear nearly black in certain lighting conditions. Contrasting sharply with the dark petals are the bright yellow to gold beards, the fuzzy structures at the center of each flower that are characteristic of bearded irises. These beards add a pop of color, drawing attention to the flower's center. The blossoms of Iris 'Stinger' exhibit the classic iris form, with three upright petals known as standards, which elegantly arch away from the center, and three downward-curving petals called falls, which hang gracefully. The sword-like foliage is typically bright green, providing an attractive vertical element to the plant's overall appearance. This foliage remains aesthetically pleasing even when the plant is not in bloom. Iris 'Stinger' is known for creating a dramatic statement in gardens due to its striking flowers which seem to exude an almost velvety texture. The juxtaposition of the dark petals against the lighter beards and green leaves makes this plant a sought-after selection for gardeners looking to add some drama and depth to their flower beds.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Dwarf Bearded Iris, Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, SDB Iris.
- Common names
  Iris 'Stinger' (SDB)
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Iris 'Stinger' (SDB), commonly known as dwarf bearded iris, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, the rhizomes (rootstocks) contain compounds that can cause stomach upset if ingested. Eating large amounts could result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It is advisable to avoid eating any part of this plant.
- To pets
  The dwarf bearded iris can be toxic to pets if ingested, particularly the rhizomes. If your pet consumes parts of this plant, it may exhibit symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or abdominal pain. While it is not typically life-threatening, consuming large quantities can cause more severe symptoms and warrants veterinary attention.
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
  Varies
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Enhanced Garden Aesthetics: Iris 'Stinger' brings vibrant colors and unique petal shapes to gardens, making them visually appealing.
- Pollinator Attraction: This variety of bearded iris attracts bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, they require minimal care, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Drought Tolerance: They are relatively resistant to dry spells, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: With a lengthy flowering time, the Iris 'Stinger' provides prolonged bouts of color in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: They can survive in colder climates, offering gardeners in cooler regions the opportunity to grow them.
- Versatility in Landscaping: These irises can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, containers, and rock gardens.
- Propagation: They can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collections and share with others.
- Deer Resistance: Iris 'Stinger' is not a preferred food source for deer, reducing the risk of damage caused by wildlife browsing.
- Perennial Growth: As perennials, they will return year after year, offering a long-term investment for 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
- The Iris 'Stinger' can be used in dye production, as various parts of the plant, especially the roots, can yield natural dyes that are traditionally used in textile crafting.
- In garden design, this Iris can be planted in rock gardens due to its size and tolerance for drier soils, adding a unique texture and color contrast.
- The plant is used as a symbol in art and literature, representing ideas such as wisdom, hope, or valor, often featured in paintings or poetry to convey these themes.
- Iris petals can be used in potpourri mixtures; while they are not as fragrant as some other flowers, they can add a unique visual element to the blend.
- The fibers of the Iris 'Stinger' can be incorporated into handmade paper, giving the finished product a distinct texture and appearance.
- As a photographic subject, the striking colors and patterns of the Iris 'Stinger' make it a favored choice for photographers practicing macro and botanical photography.
- The plant can serve as a muse for botanical illustrators and artists, who find inspiration in the unique form and coloration of the Iris 'Stinger'.
- It can be used in educational gardens or biology classes to illustrate plant adaptation and diversity, as irises exhibit a wide range of adaptations to different environments.
- Iris 'Stinger' leaves can be used in basket weaving, providing a natural and sturdy fibrous material for creating rustic garden-themed baskets.
- The bloom season of the Iris 'Stinger' can serve as an indicator plant for gardeners gauging the progress of spring or to time the planting of other species.

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
- Faith: The iris is often associated with faith and hope. In various cultures, it is seen as a bridge between heaven and earth, symbolizing a deep trust in the divine.
- Wisdom: Historically, the iris represents wisdom. It was a symbol linked to the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger for the gods and a personification of the rainbow, bridging the connection between humanity and the heavens.
- Courage: The iris, especially those with bold colors like the 'Stinger', is seen as emblematic of courage and valor. Its striking appearance can be equated to the brave and fierce heart.
- Royalty: With its regal bearing and rich hues, the iris often signifies royalty and majesty. It suggests a sense of dignity and elegance.
- Hope: The iris is considered to be a bearer of hope. It's among the first flowers to bloom in spring, signifying the return of warmth and the promise of new beginnings.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Dwarf Bearded Iris should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Provide approximately one inch of water per week during the growing season, ensuring consistent moisture especially during hot, dry periods. If rainfall is sufficient, additional watering may not be necessary. Reduce watering after the blooming period as the plant prepares for dormancy and to prevent rot. In general, one gallon of water per square yard per week should suffice, adjusting for rainfall and evapotranspiration rates in your specific climate.
Light
Dwarf Bearded Iris flourishes in full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less light. The ideal spot is a south or west-facing position where they can bask in bright light, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Temperature
Dwarf Bearded Iris prefer moderate temperatures and can withstand a wide range from 75°F to as low as -20°F when properly mulched in the winter. Ideally, they thrive when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. Avoid extreme heat as prolonged temperatures above 90°F might stress the plants.
Pruning
Dwarf Bearded Iris should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain plant vigor and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, in late summer or early fall, trim back the green foliage to about six inches to prepare the plant for winter and remove any diseased or damaged leaves. Pruning is best done on a dry day to prevent the spread of diseases.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Dwarf Bearded Iris, such as 'Stinger', require well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal, ensuring good aeration and drainage.
Repotting
Dwarf Bearded Iris should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and flower production. They should be replanted at the same depth they were previously growing.
Humidity & Misting
Dwarf Bearded Iris thrive in outdoor conditions and do not require specific humidity levels. They are generally tolerant of the humidity found in typical garden environments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Provide bright light and minimal water.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil, space rhizomes apart.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Iris 'Stinger' (SDB), also known as a Dwarf Bearded Iris, starts with seed germination which occurs in late spring to early summer after a period of stratification. After germination, it enters a vegetative stage, forming a rosette of sword-like leaves and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, typically within 2-3 years, it begins its reproductive stage, developing flower stalks and blossoms in late spring to early summer, showcasing vibrant colors and a beard-like feature on its falls. Once pollinated, either by insects or through human intervention, seeds are produced in a capsule that later dries and opens to release them. After flowering, the Iris 'Stinger' enters a period of dormancy during the hotter part of the summer, conserving resources for the next growing season. The life cycle continues annually with these perennials, as they can also propagate vegetatively by dividing their underground rhizomes to increase their clump size or to start new plants.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagating the Iris 'Stinger', which is a variety of Standard Dwarf Bearded (SDB) Iris, involves division of its rhizomes. This is typically done in late summer after the blooming season has ended when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate, the clumps of the iris should be carefully dug up and the rhizomes separated with a sharp knife. The divisions should include one or more fan-shaped sections of leaves and a portion of the rhizome with healthy roots. Before replanting, the leaves can be trimmed to a length of about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) to reduce moisture loss. The divided rhizomes can then be replanted at the same soil depth from which they were taken, spaced about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm) apart to allow for adequate growth and ventilation. It's important to water them well after planting to help establish the new divisions.