Siberian iris Iris 'Granny Jean' (Sib)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
Siberian iris 'Granny Jean'

ABOUT

Iris 'Granny Jean' is a captivating ornamental plant admired for its striking flowers and elegant foliage. The blooms of this Siberian Iris variety are distinguished by their intricate form and sumptuous color palette. Each flower typically showcases a trio of drooping petals known as falls, which gracefully arch downward. These are complemented by upright petals called standards that rise regally above the falls. The falls often display a velvety texture and may exhibit exquisite patterns or delicate veining, adding to the visual interest of the flower. The color of the blooms can range from deep, saturated hues to soft pastels, sometimes featuring a combination of shades that blend seamlessly into one another. A common trait among these flowers is a noticeable signal area or blaze of contrasting color on the falls, which serves as a guide for pollinators. Below the blooms, the plant's foliage forms a clump of slender, grass-like leaves. These leaves are often a bright, fresh green and have a slightly arching habit that gives the plant an overall graceful appearance. The contrasting textures of the smooth leaves and the ruffled flowers create a compelling garden display. Additionally, 'Granny Jean' may produce seed pods after flowering, which add an element of interest to the plant even after the blooms have faded. Overall, Iris 'Granny Jean' is hailed for its stunning flowers and refined foliage that contribute to its popularity as a garden plant.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae

    • Synonyms

      Siberian Iris

    • Common names

      Iris sibirica 'Granny Jean'.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Iris 'Granny Jean', commonly referred to as Siberian iris, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, irises contain compounds such as irisin, iridin, or irisine which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of iris poisoning might include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to the presence of these compounds, especially in the rhizomes. It is generally recommended to avoid ingesting any parts of the Siberian iris plant.

    • To pets

      Siberian iris can be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, contain irritant substances that can cause gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms of iris poisoning in pets might include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, there could also be signs of lethargy or depression. Pet owners should prevent their animals from ingesting any part of the Siberian iris plant and seek veterinary care if they suspect their pet has consumed it.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Varies

    • Height

      2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)

    • Spread

      1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      3

    • Native area

      Siberia

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage.
    • Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional fertilizing, making it ideal for gardeners of all levels.
    • Cold Hardy: Can survive and thrive in cooler climates, broadening its cultivation range.
    • Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, which reduces the need for chemical treatments.
    • Wildlife Attraction: Flowers can attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity.
    • Soil Adaptability: Can grow in various soil types, although it prefers well-draining conditions.

  • 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 'Granny Jean' can be used in perfumery for crafting unique floral fragrances due to its notable scent.
    • The petals of the Iris can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding hues of blue, purple, or yellow depending on the extraction process.
    • Ink can be made from the juice of the Iris 'Granny Jean' petals, often used historically for art and calligraphy.
    • The fibers from the leaves of the Iris can be woven or braided to create eco-friendly garden ties for supporting other plants.
    • The plant's rhizomes can be dried and powdered to use as a natural preservative in potpourris.
    • As a garden plant, Iris 'Granny Jean' can function as a pest deterrent, as some garden pests dislike their scent.
    • The seeds of Iris 'Granny Jean' may be used in ornamental crafts, such as bead-making, due to their interesting shape and texture.
    • Iris 'Granny Jean' can be a source of inspiration for artists, poets, and designers due to its unique beauty and form.
    • The structural leaves of the Iris can be used in floral arrangements to create contrast and add a striking linear element.
    • During the Victorian era, the Iris symbolized good news and would often be included in bouquets to convey a positive message.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Siberian iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Siberian iris is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Faith: The iris is commonly associated with faith and wisdom. In Christian symbolism, it is connected with the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her purity and sorrow.
    • Hope: Irises carry a message of hope, conveying positive expectations for the future.
    • Courage: In Japan, the iris is tied to courage and heroism, being emblematic of the samurai who embodied bravery.
    • Purity: The flower's graceful form and bright colors are often linked to purity and innocence.
    • Royalty: Irises are sometimes associated with royalty and regal bearing due to their sophisticated structure and, historically, their use in royal emblems.
    • Wisdom: The iris's name deriving from the Greek word for a rainbow, which is also the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow (Iris), reflects the flower's connection with knowledge and messages from the heavens.

💧
Every 7-10 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Early summer
Propogation
✂️️
Not needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    Siberian Iris, including 'Granny Jean', requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant to encourage strong root development. During hot, dry spells, increase watering to twice per week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf spot diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. In the winter, reduce watering, as the plant is dormant and requires less moisture.

  • sunLight

    Siberian Iris 'Granny Jean' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot is one where it can enjoy at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted in too much shade, the iris may not bloom as prolifically. However, in regions with extremely hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from scorching.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Siberian Iris 'Granny Jean' is cold hardy and can withstand winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for this iris are between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. Extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can be damaging, so some shade and additional watering may be needed in hotter climates.

  • scissorsPruning

    Prune Siberian Iris 'Granny Jean' by removing spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and to prevent seed production, which can sap energy from the plant. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire foliage to a few inches above the ground to remove any dead leaves and to reduce the chance of disease. Pruning should be done annually for the best growth and flower production.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Sibirica Iris 'Granny Jean' prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. A good mix can be created with equal parts loamy garden soil, peat moss, and coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. The ideal soil pH for this Siberian iris should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.

  • plantRepotting

    Siberian Iris 'Granny Jean' usually does not require frequent repotting and can be done every 3 to 5 years. It's best to repot when the clumps become overcrowded or the center of the clump shows signs of dying out, usually in late summer after flowering has finished.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Siberian Iris 'Granny Jean' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average garden conditions. No specific humidity level is required as long as the plant has adequate moisture at the roots and good air circulation to prevent disease.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place Sibirica Iris 'Granny Jean' in bright light indoors.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in full sun to part shade with moist soil outdoors.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-9 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The life cycle of the Siberian Iris 'Granny Jean' begins with seed germination, typically in spring, where warmth and moisture encourage the seed to sprout and form a small seedling. This seedling grows into a clump of grass-like foliage, and as the plant matures, it develops a rhizome, which is a horizontal stem that grows underground and stores nutrients. Each year, the Siberian Iris 'Granny Jean' enters a period of active growth in the spring, producing tall, slender stems and elegant flowers that are usually bluish-purple with contrasting markings. After flowering, usually in late spring to early summer, the plant sets seed in a capsule if pollination has occurred. During the summer months, the foliage continues to photosynthesize, providing energy for the next season's growth. As winter approaches, the plant enters dormancy, with the rhizome surviving underground through the cold months, ready to regenerate the next spring.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Early summer

    • The Iris 'Granny Jean', commonly known as a type of Siberian Iris, is best propagated by division. The ideal time for dividing these irises is late summer to early fall, after they have finished blooming. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clumps of Iris 'Granny Jean' and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and healthy roots attached. Trim the leaves to about 6 inches (15.24 cm) to reduce water loss and replant the divisions promptly, setting the rhizome so the top is just below the soil surface in a well-drained spot that receives full to partial sunlight. Water the divisions well to help establish them, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged as the plants take root.

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