Iris Iris 'Sun Doll' (SDB)
ABOUT
Iris 'Sun Doll' is a delightful variety that exhibits charming flowers. Each bloom showcases several layers of petals, with the outer petals, known as falls, tending to elongate and cascade gracefully downwards. These falls are usually adorned with captivating color patterns and may display ruffled edges, adding a touch of elegance. Rising above them are the shorter, upright petals called standards, which tend to be more uniformly colored and create a contrasting display of form and symmetry. The flowers of 'Sun Doll' are distinguished by their vivid coloring, which can range from bright yellows to softer pastel hues, often with intricate veining or speckling that adds an extra dimension of beauty. The colors can also include various shades of white, blue, purple, pink, or orange, sometimes harmoniously blending with strokes and flushes of complementary or contrasting tones. Adding to the distinctive look of this iris are the beards—tufts of short, bristly hairs located at the center of the falls. These beards are often brightly colored, standing out against the petals and providing a focal point that attracts pollinators. The leaves of Iris 'Sun Doll' are long, narrow, and sword-shaped, with a deep green color that serves as a perfect backdrop to the vibrancy of the blossoms. These leaves grow in a fan-like arrangement, creating an aesthetically pleasing clump of foliage that remains attractive even when the plant is not in bloom. The plant produces a clumping habit, giving rise to multiple stems that each support a head of one or several flowers. This growth pattern allows for a lively, fuller appearance in the garden and can offer a prolonged blooming period with proper care. Given the right growing conditions, 'Sun Doll' adds a splash of cheerful color and an eye-catching floral display to its surroundings, making it a favored choice among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae.
Synonyms
Dwarf Bearded Iris, Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris.
Common names
Iris 'Sun Doll' (SDB).
ToxicityTo humans
Iris 'Sun Doll', which is a variety of the Dwarf Bearded Iris, is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, the rhizomes (the underground stems) and to a lesser extent the leaves, can cause irritation if ingested. Symptoms of ingesting Iris can include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant, especially the rhizomes, can also cause skin irritation due to the presence of certain compounds like irisin, iridin, or irisine.
To pets
Dwarf Bearded Iris, of which Iris 'Sun Doll' is a variety, has the potential to be toxic to pets if ingested, particularly the rhizomes. The symptoms of irises poisoning in pets may include gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, and lethargy. Iris can also induce abdominal pain and skin irritation. It's important to prevent pets from accessing and chewing on the plant to avoid these toxic reactions. If you suspect your pet has ingested parts of an iris, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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: Iris 'Sun Doll' offers vibrant yellow blooms that can brighten up any garden space.
- Compact Size: Being a Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris (SDB), it is suitable for smaller gardens or borders without taking up too much space.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those with less experience.
- Drought Tolerance: After its roots have been established, it can withstand periods of low water, making it suitable for drier climates.
- Cold Hardy: It is a resilient plant that can survive harsh winter conditions.
- Pollinator Attraction: Bees and other beneficial insects are attracted to the flowers, helping to pollinate your garden.
- Deer Resistance: Typically, deer do not prefer to eat Irises, which makes 'Sun Doll' a good option for areas with deer pressure.
- Easy to Divide: Irises can be easily divided to propagate new plants or control their spreading in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Its bloom time in late spring provides a seasonal highlight that can be complemented with other plants for a succession of flowering.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Iris 'Sun Doll' can be used in potpourri mixtures for its colorful petals and light fragrance, adding visual appeal and a delicate scent to the blend.
- The petals of the Iris 'Sun Doll' can be used in natural dyeing processes, producing soft hues that are unique to the species.
- This iris can be planted as part of a thematic garden, such as a 'Sunshine Garden' that features plants with yellow or golden flowers, to create an uplifting and cohesive landscape design.
- Fine artists may use the Iris 'Sun Doll' as a subject for botanical illustrations or garden-themed artwork, capturing its bright colors in various mediums.
- The plant can be grown in containers on balconies or patios, offering urban dwellers a touch of natural beauty in confined spaces.
- Iris 'Sun Doll' can be incorporated into educational programs that teach about plant growth, pollinators, or the diversity within the Iris genus.
- The distinctive form and color of the Iris 'Sun Doll' make it a favorite subject for photographers, especially those specializing in macro and nature photography.
- Gardeners might use the rhizomes of Iris 'Sun Doll' in plant swaps, sharing the beauty of this plant with others and encouraging biodiversity in local gardening communities.
- This plant can be used as a natural boundary or border within a garden, where the short stature of the SDB (Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris) creates a low dividing line that doesn't obstruct views.
- The Iris 'Sun Doll' can play a role in conservation gardening, attracting and providing for native pollinators such as bees, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Faith: The iris often symbolizes faith and hope, representing a belief in something greater. 'Sun Doll' with its sunny disposition reinfornces this positive outlook.
- Wisdom: Associated with wisdom, irises are often seen as a symbol of valuable insight and knowledge, which can be linked to the bright and intelligent appearance of the 'Sun Doll' variety.
- Courage: Historically, irises convey courage, perhaps due to the bold colors and sturdy nature of the plant. 'Sun Doll' echoes this attribute with its resilient and bold attributes.
- Royalty: The elegant form of the iris often signifies royalty and majesty, a fitting symbol for the striking 'Sun Doll' whose regal bearing and colors embody a noble presence in any garden.
- Purity: With its clear, bright hues, the 'Sun Doll' iris can also represent purity of heart and spirit, a common theme in floral symbolism.
WaterStandard Dwarf Bearded Irises like 'Sun Doll' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. During periods of extreme heat or drought, increase watering to twice a week. Ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as irises do not like to remain in soggy soil. During the winter dormant period, reduce watering significantly, only supplying water if there is a prolonged dry spell. It is better to underwater than to overwater these hardy plants.
LightThe Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Sun Doll' thrives in full sun, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to perform well. The ideal spot for this plant is in a garden bed or border that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. However, in extremely hot climates, they will benefit from light afternoon shade to protect them from the harshest sun rays.
TemperatureStandard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Sun Doll' prefers temperate climates and will thrive with temperatures between 35 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These irises can survive minimum temperatures down to approximately 5 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from prolonged freezing conditions. The ideal growing conditions occur in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate.
PruningPruning Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Sun Doll' involves removing dead or damaged foliage and spent flower stalks to encourage healthy growth and reblooming. Prune after bloom ends, typically by midsummer, cutting flower stalks down to the base of the plant. Additionally, remove any brown or unhealthy leaves at this time. Division should be done every 3 to 4 years, ideally in late summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDwarf Bearded Iris 'Sun Doll' thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A soil mix consisting of loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite to improve drainage is ideal.
RepottingDwarf Bearded Iris 'Sun Doll' does not require frequent repotting, but division every 3-5 years is recommended to rejuvenate the plant and control its spread.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Bearded Iris 'Sun Doll' prefers a drier climate and does well in average garden humidity; it does not require high humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Sun Doll' in bright light, cool temps, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant 'Sun Doll' in full sun, well-draining soil, divide every few years.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Iris 'Sun Doll', a Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, begins with germination from seed or vegetative reproduction from rhizomes. After sprouting, the plant enters a phase of vegetative growth, producing sword-like leaves and developing a strong root system. Once mature, in late spring to early summer, 'Sun Doll' blooms with vibrant yellow flowers, attracting pollinators before the flowers wither. Following pollination, seeds are produced in pods that dry and open to release seeds for dispersal. The plant then enters a period of dormancy, primarily in winter, where above-ground foliage dies back, and the rhizome stores energy for the next growing season. With the return of favorable conditions, the cycle recommences with new growth from the rhizome.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer to early fall
Propogation: The Iris 'Sun Doll', a type of Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, is most commonly propagated through division. The best time to divide and replant irises is usually late summer to early fall, after the blooming season has ended and several weeks before the first hard frost to allow establishment. To propagate, you start by digging up the rhizomes of an established plant carefully with a garden fork or spade. Clean off the soil and inspect the rhizomes for any signs of disease or rot, pruning away any unhealthy portions with a sharp knife. Then, using a sharp knife, you can divide the rhizomes, making sure each division has at least one fan of leaves and a section of the rhizome. Trim the leaves to about a third of their height to reduce water loss. Lastly, replant the divisions at ground level, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm) apart, to allow for ample growing space and adequate sunlight.
