Siberian Iris Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' (Sib)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' is a beautifully ornamental plant cherished for its sumptuous, deeply colored flowers. As the name suggests, its blossoms exhibit a rich, velvety texture, appearing almost as if they are made from luxurious fabric. The petals are a deep shade, reminiscent of the nighttime sky, and they possess a captivating sheen that can make the flowers seem to glow in the garden light. Each flower is comprised of both falls—petals that droop downwards—and standards, which are the petals that stand upright. In the case of 'Ruffled Velvet', the falls typically display a pronounced ruffle along their edges, adding to the impression of opulence and depth. The standards also bear ruffled edges, enhancing the flower's overall frilly look. Radiating from the base of the bloom, a lighter-hued beard often streaks down the middle of the falls, providing a striking contrast and guiding pollinators to the flower's center. The leaves of this iris are long, slender, and sword-like, with a bright green color that complements the dramatic blooms. Overall, Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' has an arresting presence in the garden, mostly due to its lush, ruffled flowers that seem to embody a certain romanticism and drama, making it a popular and cherished perennial in many temperate gardens.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Siberian Iris
- Common names
  Iris sibirica 'Ruffled Velvet'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Siberian Iris, generally, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingesting parts of Siberian Iris, especially the rhizomes, can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation in some individuals due to the presence of irritating compounds. It's always advisable to wear gloves when handling or working with irises and to prevent children from ingesting any part of the plant.
- To pets
  Siberian Iris may have a mild level of toxicity to pets if ingested. Common symptoms of iris poisoning in pets, such as dogs and cats, include gastrointestinal upset like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, there can be signs of lethargy and depression. It is best to keep pets away from Siberian Iris, particularly from the bulbous rhizomes which contain the highest concentration of toxic compounds, and to contact a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Purple
- Height
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3-9
- Native area
  AsiaEurope

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: The Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' is known for its striking deep purple flowers, which add an eye-catching element to any garden.
- Ease of Care: This Siberian iris is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal attention once established in the right conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Being a hardy plant, it can survive periodic dry spells once established, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures, which allows it to thrive in cooler climates without requiring special care.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant typically has a long flowering period during spring and early summer, providing a longer duration of visual interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of your garden ecosystem.
- Naturalizes Well: Over time, Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' can spread and naturalize in an area, creating a fuller, more robust display without the need for constant replanting.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: It is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, which is a significant benefit in areas where these animals are prevalent pests.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in various garden settings, including borders, water garden margins, and as an accent or specimen plant.
- Cut Flower Use: The iris makes for beautiful cut flowers that can be used in floral arrangements to elegant effect.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- The Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' petals can be used in the art of flower pressing to create elegant and decorative bookmarks, greeting cards, or wall art.
- The sturdy leaves of the Iris can be woven into small baskets or decorative crafts by experienced artisans.
- Dried Iris petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures, adding a unique shape and color to the blend.
- The fibrous nature of the Iris leaves can be used for paper-making, often resulting in a paper with interesting textures.
- Color extracted from the iris flowers can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yarns, or in art projects.
- Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' can be used as a natural indicator of soil moisture levels, as the plant prefers consistently moist soil.
- The sap of the Iris can be used as a natural adhesive in small-scale or emergency repair situations.
- The plant’s rhizomes may be carved into decorative stamps for use in crafting or adding unique designs to clay works.
- The tall, elegant stalks of Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' can be used structurally in floral arrangements to create height and drama.
- With their intricate shape, Iris petals can inspire patterns and motifs in textile design and embroidery.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Faith: The iris often symbolizes faith, reflecting its role in many religious traditions as a symbol of divine protection and sacred trust.
- Hope: As one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, the iris brings hope for a future that is bright and full of potential.
- Wisdom: The flower is frequently associated with wisdom, perhaps due to its connection with the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger of the gods and a symbol of communication and new knowledge.
- Valor: The strong and upright stance of the iris has made it emblematic of valor and courage over the years, symbolizing bravery in the face of adversity.
- Royalty: The luxurious appearance and regal stance of the iris 'Ruffled Velvet' specifically, with its rich, deep coloration, often denotes royalty and an elevated status.
- Purity and Innocence: In some contexts, particularly in religious or historical art, the iris is seen as a representation of purity and innocence, perhaps related to the Virgin Mary or other figures of chastity.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to early fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the Siberian Iris, regular watering is essential when the plant is establishing itself or actively growing, typically requiring about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week. It's best to water deeply and infrequently rather than shallow and often to encourage strong root growth. During the growing season, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. In the absence of rain, water thoroughly once a week. During the dormant period in winter, reduce watering, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.
Light
Siberian Irises thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. A location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight is ideal, although they can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this can affect the plant's ability to flower.
Temperature
Siberian Irises are hardy and can survive in temperature ranges from -40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, although they prefer the cooler end of this spectrum. The ideal growing temperature for these irises is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive winters with extreme cold, as long as the ground is not prone to standing water which can freeze and damage the rhizomes.
Pruning
Pruning Siberian Irises involves removing spent flowers right after blooming to prevent seed formation, which diverts energy from the plant. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall to help control pests and diseases and to tidy the garden. Prune annually to maintain plant health and vigor, and to ensure prolific blooming the following season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Siberian Irises prefer a well-drained, rich soil mix with a pH of slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0. A mix containing loamy soil, compost, and some sand or perlite is ideal for ensuring good drainage and fertility.
Repotting
Siberian Irises should be repotted or divided every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. This allows for healthy growth and more blooms.
Humidity & Misting
Siberian Irises do well in average garden humidity conditions. They are quite adaptable but prefer a relative humidity ranging from 40% to 60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light and good airflow for indoor Siberian Iris.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to partial shade in rich soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of an Iris 'Ruffled Velvet' (Siberian Iris) begins with seed germination, typically in late winter to early spring, when temperatures start to rise and daylight increases. The seedlings emerge and form basal leaves, developing into juvenile plants through the growing season. After planting, it takes about two to three years for the Siberian Iris to reach maturity and bloom, producing elegant, ruffled velvet-like flowers in late spring to early summer. Post-flowering, seed pods may form and, if not deadheaded, will release seeds and potentially give rise to new plants. The foliage persists throughout the summer and dies back as winter approaches, with the plant entering a period of dormancy. In the following spring, the cycle starts anew with the plant sending up fresh growth, preparing once again for its annual bloom.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to early fall
- Propogation: Iris 'Ruffled Velvet', commonly known as Siberian iris, is most popularly propagated by division, which is best done after flowering has finished or during late summer to early fall. This routine typically coincides with late August to September. To propagate Siberian iris by division, carefully dig up the clump of iris when the plant is dormant, ensuring minimal root disturbance. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into sections, each containing at least one healthy fan of leaves and a portion of the root system. The divisions should be replanted at the same depth they were previously growing, approximately 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface, and spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters). It is vital to maintain adequate moisture after planting until the plants are established. This method encourages rejuvenation of the plant and can help to proliferate your iris collection or renew an overcrowded garden bed.