Intermediate Bearded Iris Iris 'Strawberry Love' (IB)

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

ABOUT

Iris 'Strawberry Love' showcases a striking display with its uniquely colored blossoms. This plant is a visual delight with flowers that flaunt a rich, velvety texture and a color palette reminiscent of succulent strawberries. The blossoms typically feature petals in vibrant shades of pink and red, often with delicate veining or edging in a contrasting hue, which enhances their detailed and sumptuous appearance. The petals may also exhibit a gradient of colors, blending beautifully from deep, ripe berry tones at the edges to lighter shades or even white near the center. The flowers are carried on sturdy, upright stems that emerge from a clump of long, slender, sword-like leaves. These leaves are a bright, fresh green, forming an elegant and arching foliage base that contrasts well with the flamboyant blooms. Each flower of the Iris 'Strawberry Love' is made up of multiple lobes: typical for irises, there are three outer hanging petals, called falls, which may have a slightly ruffled or wavy edge, and three inner upright petals known as standards. In the center of the bloom, one can often find a splash of golden or yellow accents, like a beacon drawing in pollinators. This could take the form of a delicate yellow center on each fall or a splash of yellow on the beards—the fuzzy, caterpillar-like structures that run down the middle of the falls and serve as a landing platform for visiting insects. The visual appeal of Iris 'Strawberry Love' is further enhanced by its tendency to produce multiple flowers per stem, creating an abundant and lush display that is reminiscent of the succulence and richness of the fruit after which it is named. This plant is a treasure in any garden, bringing a burst of color and a touch of sophistication with its elegant blossoms and vibrant, perky foliage.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae.

    • Synonyms

      Intermediate Bearded Iris, Strawberry Love Iris.

    • Common names

      Iris 'Strawberry Love' (IB)

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Iris 'Strawberry Love' is part of the Iris family, and like many irises, it can be considered mildly toxic if ingested. Ingesting parts of the plant, especially the rhizomes, can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, there may also be a skin irritation if the sap gets on the skin. It's important to handle Irises with care and avoid ingesting any part of the plant to prevent these symptoms.

    • To pets

      Iris 'Strawberry Love' is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs, as are other members of the Iris family. If ingested by pets, it can cause symptoms such as salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it can lead to abdominal pain and potentially more serious gastrointestinal issues. It's advisable to keep pets away from Irises and to contact a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Mixed

    • Height

      2 feet (60.96 cm)

    • Spread

      1 foot (30.48 cm)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      Varies

    • Native area

      Varies

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Adds vibrant color and interesting texture to garden beds and borders.
    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
    • Drought Tolerance: Can survive in dry conditions, which reduces the need for frequent watering.
    • Attracts Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are drawn to the flowers, which helps pollinate other plants.
    • Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal charm when many other plants are not yet in flower.
    • Multiplication: The rhizomes can naturally multiply over time, allowing for easy propagation and sharing with fellow gardeners.
    • Longevity: As a perennial, it comes back year after year without needing to replant.
    • Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Generally resists browsing by deer and rabbits, which helps to protect the beauty of the garden.
    • Varied Landscaping Uses: Suitable for mixed borders, cutting gardens, and can even be planted in containers.
    • Strong Structure: The sword-like foliage adds an architectural element to garden designs.

  • 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

    • The rhizomes of the Iris can be dried and used to make scented sachets or potpourri, adding a pleasant aroma to drawers and closets.
    • Iris fibers can be used in paper-making, creating a beautiful texture and adding strength to the handmade paper.
    • The vibrant petals of Iris 'Strawberry Love' can be used in natural dyeing processes to impart colors to textiles or artwork.
    • Dried Iris flowers can be incorporated into decorative bookmarks, either laminated or pressed, for a unique botanical touch.
    • The flowers can be used as a natural pH indicator in science education, changing color in response to acids and bases.
    • Iris petals can be added to bath bombs or bath salts for a touch of luxury and a light natural fragrance.
    • Fresh Iris blooms can be frozen into ice cubes to create visually stunning additions to cold beverages or punch bowls.
    • The sturdy leaves of the plant can be woven into small baskets or mats, utilizing traditional crafting techniques.
    • Iris 'Strawberry Love' can serve as an inspiration for artists and designers, with its shape and colors influencing patterns and motifs in textiles, wallpaper, or graphic designs.
    • The plant can be used in a sensory garden, as its distinct fragrance and textured flowers provide a sensory experience.

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 flowers in general are often associated with hope due to their perennial nature and ability to return each year with their stunning blooms.
    • Wisdom: Historically, the iris is linked to wisdom, perhaps because of its namesake, the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger and often a link between gods and humans, conveying truth and knowledge.
    • Faith: The iris exemplifies faith with its reliability and enduring presence in the garden.
    • Passion: The 'Strawberry Love' variety, with its rich, pinkish tones, can be indicative of deep passion and heartfelt emotions.
    • Royalty: Irises have been a symbol of royalty and regal bearing for centuries, likely due to their striking appearance and association with the French monarchy.

💧
Every 7-10 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
5%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Late summer to early fall
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Strawberry Love' requires regular watering to establish roots, especially during its first growing season. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, providing about one inch of water each time, which translates roughly to 0.6 gallons for an area of about 10 square feet. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent rot. During the second growing season and thereafter, the plant's water needs may decrease as it becomes more drought tolerant. Water the iris whenever the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

  • sunLight

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Strawberry Love' thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a spot in the garden where the plant will receive unobstructed morning light and continued sun exposure throughout the day. Avoid areas shaded by trees or structures to ensure healthy bloom development.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Strawberry Love' prefers a temperature range between 55°F and 75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to 14°F and summer high temperatures up to 90°F without detrimental effects. The ideal growing conditions involve a temperature swing between cooler nights and warmer days within the aforementioned range.

  • scissorsPruning

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Strawberry Love' should be pruned to remove spent flower stems after blooming to promote healthy growth and to maintain a tidy appearance. Additionally, trim away any brown or damaged leaves throughout the year to prevent disease. The best time for a comprehensive pruning is just after the flowering period; annually thin or divide the rhizomes to avoid overcrowding, ideally in late summer or early fall.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Iris 'Strawberry Love', or Intermediate Bearded Iris, prefers well-draining soil that is somewhat fertile. A mix containing loamy garden soil, compost, and some coarse sand or perlite is ideal for ensuring good drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.5 to 7.0, for optimal growth.

  • plantRepotting

    Intermediate Bearded Iris, also known as Iris 'Strawberry Love', typically doesn't require frequent repotting. These irises should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Intermediate Bearded Irises, like Iris 'Strawberry Love', are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require high humidity to thrive. They are well-suited for typical outdoor humidity conditions.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and cool winter temperatures.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, and divide every 3-5 years.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    Iris 'Strawberry Love' (IB), commonly known as Intermediate Bearded Iris, begins its life cycle as a rhizome planted just below the soil surface. It sprouts sword-like leaves that establish a foliage clump in spring. In late spring to early summer, flower stalks emerge from the foliage, producing vibrant reddish-pink blooms that attract pollinators and last for a brief period before withering away. After flowering, the plant enters a phase of vegetative growth, where it focuses on leaf and root development to store energy for the next flowering season. As autumn approaches, the foliage may die back, especially in colder climates, and the plant enters dormancy over the winter. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the cycle begins anew with the regrowth of leaves and subsequent flowering.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Late summer to early fall

    • The most popular method of propagation for the Iris 'Strawberry Love', often referred to as a Bearded Iris, is through division. This process is ideally done in late summer after the flowering period has concluded. Gardeners divide the Iris' rhizomes, which are horizontal underground stems capable of producing the shoot and root systems of a new plant. When dividing, the gardener should carefully lift the clump of irises out of the soil, using a spade or fork, and gently shake off the excess dirt to reveal the rhizomes. Then, with a sharp knife, each rhizome is cut into pieces, making sure that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a section of the rhizome. The cut surfaces are often dusted with a fungicide to prevent rot. These divisions can then be replanted about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters), and just deep enough so the top of the rhizome is slightly visible above the soil surface.

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