Dutch Iris Iris 'Velvet Smile' (Reticulata)
ABOUT
Iris 'Velix Smile' (Reticulata) flaunts a charming and eye-catching appearance that easily captivates the attention of onlookers. The vivid blooms exhibit a deep, velvety purple hue, which can appear nearly black in certain lights, creating a dramatic contrast with their surroundings. Each petal is delicately marked with intricate patterns and may feature a lighter or more vibrant shade along the fringes or towards the base, adding depth and complexity to the flower's overall aesthetics. The blooms consist of six petal-like structures, typically arranged in layers with three outer "falls" that elegantly cascade downward and three inner "standards" that reach upward, creating a striking and somewhat symmetrical form. At the base of the falls, you may notice a distinct, often lighter colored or white "beard" —a fuzzy patch that adds texture and contrast to the petals. The foliage of the Iris 'Velix Smile' is slender, giving off a grass-like impression, with long, linear leaves that shoot upward from the base of the plant. These leaves are a rich green color, which further complements the dark tones of the blooms. The overall aesthetic is one of stark elegance, pairing the simple, clean lines of the foliage with the luxurious, almost royal quality of the blossoms. This ornamental gem is typically admired for its stunning floral display, which heralds the coming of the warmer months as one of the earlier blooming irises in the season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dwarf Iris, Reticulate Iris, Netted Iris, Snake's Head Iris.
Common names
Iris 'Velvet Smile' (Reticulata).
ToxicityTo humans
The Iris 'Velvet Smile' is a variety of the common iris. Generally, irises are considered to be mildly poisonous to humans. They contain compounds that can cause skin irritation upon contact with the sap and, if ingested, may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, severe toxicity is rare. Care should be taken when handling or accidentally ingesting any part of the plant.
To pets
The Iris 'Velvet Smile' is a type of common iris that can be toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of the plant, especially the rhizomes (root-like stems), can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. In some cases, it might also cause skin irritation if your pet comes into contact with the sap. It's important to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting parts of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
3 inches (7.5 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Iris 'Velvet Smile' adds aesthetic beauty to gardens with its striking purple flowers and unique velvet-like texture.
- Ease of Care: This variety is relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Early Bloomer: As a Reticulata iris, it blooms early in the spring, providing color after winter when many plants are still dormant.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the health of the garden and the environment.
- Drought Tolerance: Being drought-tolerant, this plant is suitable for xeriscaping and can thrive in areas with water restrictions.
- Compact Size: Its small, compact size makes it ideal for use in borders, small gardens, or as part of a rockery display.
- Cold Hardy: The plant is cold hardy and can withstand frost, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Multiplication: Iris 'Velvet Smile' can naturally multiply, providing more plants over time without additional costs.
- Container Gardening: This iris can be grown in pots, which is perfect for balconies or patios where ground space is limited.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: Iris 'Velvet Smile' is a beautiful subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in macro and nature photography, due to its intricate details and rich coloration.
- Artistic Inspiration: The dramatic hues and unique shape of the Iris 'Velvet Smile' can serve as inspiration for artists and designers, influencing both subject matter and color palettes in their works.
- Educational Tool: Botany and horticulture educators can use Iris 'Velvet Smile' to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and the specifics of bulb growth.
- Winter Gardens: As an early bloomer, Iris 'Velvet Smile' can be used to add color and life to winter gardens in milder climates, offering an unexpected splash of color when most plants are dormant.
- Dye Source: The deep purple petals of Iris 'Velvet Smile' can potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, though this application is more common with other species of iris.
- Garden Structure: Due to their short stature, Iris 'Velvet Smile' can be used to provide structure and borders in rock gardens or as front-edge plantings in flower beds.
- Fragrance Extraction: While not commonly used for this purpose, the subtle fragrance of Iris 'Velvet Smile' could be captured and used in the creation of perfumes and scented products.
- Culinary Decor: Edible varieties of iris petals can be used to garnish dishes; Iris 'Velvet Smile', specifically for its visual appeal, would serve as a non-toxic decoration for culinary presentations.
- Ephemeral Art: The blooms of Iris 'Velvet Smile' can be incorporated into temporary art installations or nature-based mandalas as an acknowledgment of the transient nature of beauty.
- Companion Planting: Iris 'Velvet Smile' can be used in companion planting to help mark the locations of other perennials that may emerge later in the season.
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: Irises are commonly associated with faith and spirituality. The 'Velvet Smile' variety, with its rich coloring, can represent a deep, unwavering faith.
- Hope: The iris often symbolizes hope, with its bloom signaling the arrival of spring and the hope for a new season.
- Wisdom: In some historical contexts, the iris represents wisdom and valued knowledge.
- Courage: The striking appearance of the 'Velvet Smile' iris can be symbolic of courage and bravery.
- Royalty: With its regal hues, the iris is often associated with royalty and noble bearing.
- Purity: Even though 'Velvet Smile' has a deep coloration, irises in general can symbolize purity and innocence.
WaterDwarf irises, like Iris 'Velvet Smile', typically require moderate watering, especially during their growth and blooming period. Water them thoroughly to ensure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the active growth season in spring, watering once a week with about 1 gallon per square yard is usually sufficient, depending on rainfall and soil type. After flowering, and as the foliage begins to die back, reduce watering to encourage dormancy. Overwintering plants require less water, and the soil should be kept mostly dry to prevent bulb rot.
LightDwarf irises prefer full sun to partial shade. The best spot for Iris 'Velvet Smile' would be one where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in climates with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent the blooms from fading too quickly.
TemperatureDwarf irises are cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about -20°F, but they thrive in a temperature range between 35°F and 70°F. Iris 'Velvet Smile' generally does best when the weather is cooler, particularly when nighttime temperatures range between 40°F and 50°F. Extreme heat above 80°F may lead to dormancy or stress for the plant.
PruningPruning is not typically required for Iris 'Velvet Smile', but deadheading — removing spent flowers — can be done to maintain a neat appearance. After blooming, allow the leaves to remain in place, as they will gather sunlight to feed the bulbs for the next year's growth. Once the foliage yellows and withers, usually by late summer or fall, it can be cut back to the ground.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Dwarf Iris prefers a well-draining, rich and loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A mixture of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost is ideal to provide the nutrients and drainage necessary.
RepottingDwarf Irises typically do not need to be repotted often. They should be repotted every three to four years to provide fresh soil and to manage the size of their rhizomes.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Irises fare well in average humidity conditions. They don't require a particularly humid environment and can thrive with the natural humidity found outdoors or indoors in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and plant in well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA.
Life cycleIris 'Velvet Smile' (commonly known as Reticulata Iris) begins its life cycle as a bulb, which is planted in the fall before the ground freezes. In late winter to early spring, green shoots emerge from the bulb, with flowering typically occurring in early spring when the weather begins to warm. The Reticulata Iris produces rich, velvet-like purple flowers that attract pollinators for a short bloom period of approximately two weeks. After flowering, the plant focuses on photosynthesis and nutrient storage, growing leaves that continue to synthesize food that is stored in the bulb for the next season. As summer approaches, the foliage yellows and withers, and the plant enters dormancy during the hot summer months. The cycle restarts when cooler temperatures return in the fall, and the bulb undergoes a period of rejuvenation and subsequent bud formation in preparation for the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Iris 'Velvet Smile', commonly known as Reticulata Iris, is through division of its bulb-like structures called rhizomes. This is typically done in late summer, after the flowering period has ended and the foliage has started to die back. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up the clump of rhizomes, wash off the soil, and inspect them for signs of rot or disease, discarding any that are unhealthy. Healthy rhizomes are then cut or broken apart, ensuring that each section has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of roots. These sections are then replanted at a depth of roughly 4 inches (about 10 centimeters), spaced about 12 to 24 inches apart (approximately 30 to 60 centimeters), and watered well to encourage the establishment of new plants. It's essential to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot.
