Intermediate Bearded Iris Iris 'Sunny Dawn' (IB)

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

ABOUT

Iris 'Sunny Dawn' (IB) is a striking and captivating plant with a unique and vibrant floral display. The flowers of this Iris are known for their beautiful coloration, which usually features a delightful blend of warm yellows and soft apricots. Its petals are gracefully ruffled and have a velvety texture that adds to their charm. The flower consists of six lobes: three upright standards that give it an elegant stature and three downward falls that add a sense of movement and flow to the overall bloom. At the base of the falls, there is often a splash of a deeper or contrasting hue, known as the beard, which is typically white or orange and helps to attract pollinators. The foliage of the Iris 'Sunny Dawn' forms a lush clump of long, narrow leaves that are sword-shaped. These leaves are a vibrant green and have a slightly upright habit, fanning out from the base of the plant and providing a pleasing backdrop to the colorful blooms. Together, the striking blossoms and the verdant foliage create a spectacular display in any garden that can captivate onlookers and provide a warm exuberance to the landscape. The overall appearance of Iris 'Sunny Dawn' is that of an elegant and robust plant, with a color palette that celebrates the softer tones of sunrise.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae

    • Synonyms

      Intermediate Bearded Iris, IB Iris

    • Common names

      Iris 'Sunny Dawn' (IB)

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      The intermediate bearded iris, commonly known as the Iris 'Sunny Dawn', contains irisin, iridin, or irisine which are chemicals that can potentially cause stomach issues if ingested. Though it is not commonly consumed, if someone were to ingest parts of this plant, they might experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These symptoms are the body's reaction to the irritants found within the plant tissue.

    • To pets

      The intermediate bearded iris can be toxic to pets if ingested. Like in humans, the plant contains compounds that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. If a pet, such as a cat or dog, were to consume parts of an Iris 'Sunny Dawn', they could display signs of toxicity such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. It's important to prevent pets from eating this plant to avoid these negative health effects.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Yellow

    • Height

      2 feet (61 cm)

    • Spread

      1 feet (30 cm)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      4-9

    • Native area

      Europe Asia

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Colorful Blooms: Iris 'Sunny Dawn' offers vibrant yellow and apricot-colored flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden.
    • Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of 'Sunny Dawn' attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate other plants.
    • Easy to Grow: This variety of iris is known for being relatively low-maintenance and easy to cultivate in a variety of soil types and climates.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, Iris 'Sunny Dawn' can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
    • Seasonal Interest: 'Sunny Dawn' blooms in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal interest and variety in the garden.
    • Border Planting: Its size and shape make it an ideal choice for borders, adding structure to garden design.
    • Cut Flowers: The blooms of 'Sunny Dawn' can be used for cut flower arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
    • Multiplication: This iris can be propagated by division, allowing gardeners to increase their stock and fill out garden spaces.
    • Deer Resistance: Irises are often resistant to deer, reducing the risk of damage to the plant in areas with a high deer population.

  • 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 'Sunny Dawn' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, imparting a range of colors from yellows to browns depending on the mordant used.
    • These irises can be planted to stabilize slopes and prevent soil erosion, thanks to their extensive root systems that hold soil in place.
    • The robust nature of Iris 'Sunny Dawn' makes it suitable for creating living water filters in constructed wetlands or natural ponds.
    • Culinary enthusiasts might use the petals of the Iris 'Sunny Dawn' to flavor and color artisanal sugars or salts for gourmet cooking.
    • The plant's fibrous leaves can be used in traditional basketry or weaving crafts, offering material for eco-friendly creations.
    • Iris 'Sunny Dawn' can serve as a natural insect repellent when their rhizomes are crushed and spread in outdoor areas.
    • The flowers can be used in potpourri mixes to add color and a light fragrance to a room when dried properly.
    • These irises have been used historically as inspiration for artists and poets, contributing to cultural arts and literature.
    • Photographers and nature enthusiasts may cultivate Iris 'Sunny Dawn' as a subject for photography, drawing attention to their striking blooms.
    • The plant can be used as an educational tool in schools to teach children about plant biology, life cycles, and pollination.

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: The Iris generally symbolizes hope, mirroring its ability to bloom brightly even in adverse conditions.
    • Faith: In various traditions, the Iris is a symbol of faith, representing belief in the unseen and trust in the divine.
    • Wisdom: Often associated with deities of wisdom, the Iris can signify wisdom and valued knowledge.
    • Courage: The Iris may symbolize courage, as it stands tall and firm despite its delicate appearance.
    • Purity: The bright, clear colors of the 'Sunny Dawn' Iris suggest purity, innocence, and freshness.
    • Royalty: Historically, Irises have been linked to royalty and noble bearing, possibly due to their regal appearance.

💧
Every 3-10 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 3-4 years
Repotting
🌱️
Late Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Intermediate Bearded Irises like the Iris 'Sunny Dawn' should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time, which is roughly 0.62 gallons for a 10 square foot area. During the growing season, especially in dry conditions, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after blooms have faded and during dormant periods in fall and winter to prevent root rot. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of disease.

  • sunLight

    For the Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Sunny Dawn', full sun is ideal, which means the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that provides morning sun with some afternoon shade can also be beneficial, especially in hotter climates, to prevent potential sunburn on the delicate blooms.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Intermediate Bearded Irises like 'Sunny Dawn' thrive in a range of temperatures but prefer daytime temperatures between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand cold down to about -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter with mulch or snow cover. Ideal growth occurs when nighttime temperatures are notably cooler than the daytime temperatures, promoting strong blooms.

  • scissorsPruning

    Prune the Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Sunny Dawn' by removing spent flower stalks at the base after blooming to promote healthy growth and prevent seed formation, which can drain energy from the rhizomes. Divide and trim the foliage into a fan shape when transplanting, which is typically done every 3 to 5 years, best in late summer.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Sunny Dawn' thrives in well-draining, rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.

  • plantRepotting

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Sunny Dawn' doesn't often require repotting but should be divided every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and flower production, ideally after the blooming season.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Sunny Dawn' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average garden conditions; it doesn't require high humidity to thrive.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      For growing indoors, ensure bright light and good air circulation.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil; divide every 3-4 years.

    • Hardiness zone

      Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Sunny Dawn' is suitable for 3-9 USDA hardiness zones.

  • circleLife cycle

    The Iris 'Sunny Dawn' (Intermediate Bearded Iris) begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown, germinating in a process that may take a few weeks to a year. After germination, the seedlings grow into young plants with distinctive narrow, upright leaves, usually requiring a few years to develop into mature, flowering plants. The Iris 'Sunny Dawn' reaches its flowering stage in late spring to early summer, showcasing vibrant yellow and peach blooms that attract pollinators. Post-bloom, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, where it continues to develop its root system and foliage. As winter approaches, the Iris 'Sunny Dawn' enters dormancy, with the foliage dying back and the rhizomes surviving underground. Each subsequent spring, the plant will emerge from dormancy to begin the cycle anew, with mature plants capable of clonal propagation through division of the rhizomes.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Late Summer

    • The Iris 'Sunny Dawn' (IB), commonly known as the Intermediate Bearded Iris, is often propagated by division, which is best done in late summer after the flowering period has ended. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire clump of rhizomes from the ground using a spade or fork. Clean any soil from the rhizomes and inspect them for signs of disease, discarding any that look unhealthy or rotten. With a sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into sections, making sure that each division has at least one or two leaf fans and a portion of the rhizome. Replant the sections at ground level spaced approximately 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 centimeters), ensuring that the top of the rhizome is slightly exposed to the sun, which encourages better flowering. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them.

    You might be interested in
    Unlimited access to Plant Identifier
    Try for free

    You might also like these plants