Siberian Iris Iris 'Simple Gifts' (Sib)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Simple Gifts' (Sib) is a captivating plant known for its ornate flowers. This Siberian Iris variety features graceful blooms that exhibit a unique blend of colors. Each flower is adorned with falls and standards, which are the petal-like structures typical of irises. The falls are the downward-curving parts, while the standards rise elegantly above them. The petals of Iris 'Simple Gifts' often display a harmonious combination of colors such as creamy whites, soft yellows, or subtle blues, and can be adorned with contrasting veining or hafts, where the petals attach to the stem. The colors are known to blend seamlessly into one another, creating a gentle and soothing visual effect that justifies the name 'Simple Gifts'. Amidst the flowers, the plant showcases a clump of narrow, sword-shaped leaves. These leaves are typically bright to dark green and grow in dense tufts, emerging from the base of the plant. The foliage can be quite lush, creating a verdant backdrop for the spectacular flowers. The blooms emerge on sturdy stems that rise gracefully above the foliage. These stems can branch out, allowing multiple flowers to display their beauty simultaneously. The captivating flowers of Iris 'Simple Gifts' are a favorite for gardeners, providing an exquisite display that enhances the aesthetic appeal of any garden.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Siberian Iris
- Common names
  Iris sibirica 'Simple Gifts'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Siberian iris is generally not considered highly toxic to humans, but all parts of the plant, especially the rhizomes, may cause irritation if ingested. If someone eats a part of the Siberian iris, they might experience symptoms like stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is best to avoid ingesting any part of the plant to prevent these possible outcomes.
- To pets
  For pets, the Siberian iris may present similar risks as it does to humans. The rhizomes contain irisin, iridin, or irisine which can be toxic if ingested. If a pet eats part of a Siberian iris, they might display symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, drooling, diarrhea, or vomiting. In severe cases, although uncommon, more serious effects could occur. Therefore, it is advisable to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting this plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Blue
- Height
  3 feet (0.91 meters)
- Spread
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  3
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its blue-violet flowers and attractive foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering and can survive dry conditions.
- Cold Resistance: Capable of withstanding cold climates and frost, making it suitable for northern gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Demands little care beyond basic needs, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Disease and Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to common garden pests and diseases.
- Soil Versatility: Adapts to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained conditions.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides prolonged periods of bloom in late spring to early summer.
- Divisibility: Can be divided to propagate and spread throughout the garden or shared with others.
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 Siberian Iris can be used as a natural dye, where the petals can impart a range of colors from yellows to blues on textiles or paper.
- The dried seed pods of the Siberian Iris can be used in floral arrangements to add a unique, sculptural element to the design.
- Leaves of the Siberian Iris, when dried, can be woven into baskets, mats, or even sandals due to their fibrous and sturdy nature.
- The roots or rhizomes can be used in perfume making for their aromatic qualities, especially when incorporated into potpourri mixtures.
- Siberian Iris can play a role in soil erosion control because its strong root system helps to hold soil in place along streambanks and slopes.
- The flower’s natural symmetry and intricate detail can be an inspiration for artists and designers, particularly in textile patterns and jewelry designs.
- Pressed flowers from the Siberian Iris can be used in crafts such as homemade cards, bookmarks, or as a decorative element in candles.
- The plant can be used as a learning tool in botany and horticulture studies due to its distinct anatomical features and adaptation to wetlands.
- The foliage creates a habitat and protective space for amphibians and small birds in a garden setting.
- Siberian Iris petal and leaf impressions can be used in pottery and ceramics to create unique, botanical-themed surface designs.

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
- Heraldry - The iris is often used in heraldic symbols and is associated with royalty and nobility.
- Wisdom - In some cultures, the iris represents wisdom, valued for its bold appearance that suggests confidence and intelligence.
- Faith - The three petals of the iris flower are sometimes considered to symbolize faith, valor, and wisdom.
- Hope - The iris can be a symbol of hope, its resilience and ability to bloom year after year represent the idea that one can always have hope for the future.
- Messenger - The flower is named after the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger on Mount Olympus and would take messages from the eye of Heaven to earth, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth and between gods and humans.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-4 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Siberian Iris, like 'Simple Gifts', should be watered deeply to encourage the roots to grow downwards, enhancing drought tolerance. They typically require 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. If you need to water them, do so early in the day to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall. Cut back on watering as the plants start to go dormant after blooming, usually after the summer heat has begun. In absence of rain, watering every week with one to two gallons per plant will suffice, depending on the soil's ability to retain moisture.
Light
Siberian Irises like 'Simple Gifts' thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They need at least half a day of sunlight to bloom vigorously; however, they can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can be beneficial. The best spot for these irises would be an area that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun in regions with very hot summers.
Temperature
Siberian Irises such as 'Simple Gifts' are hardy in a range of temperatures and can survive winter lows down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in a temperature range between 32 degrees and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, their growing season should have moderate temperatures averaging around 68 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and bloom.
Pruning
Prune Siberian Irises like 'Simple Gifts' to remove any dead or damaged foliage and spent flower stalks to encourage healthy growth and improve the plant's appearance. It's best to do this pruning after flowering is over, typically in midsummer. Additionally, divide the rhizomes every few years in late summer to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Siberian Iris 'Simple Gifts' should be well-drained, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and nutrient retention.
Repotting
Siberian Iris 'Simple Gifts' generally does not need frequent repotting; it's best to repot every 3-5 years or when the clump becomes overcrowded.
Humidity & Misting
Siberian Iris 'Simple Gifts' thrives in average garden humidity levels; it does not require exceptional humidity conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light; keep soil moist.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to part shade; moist soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-8 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Simple Gifts' starts its life cycle when the seeds are sown in the soil and germinate. The seedlings grow into mature plants, developing long, slender leaves and a robust root system. As the plants mature, typically within 2-3 years, they produce tall stems topped with large, colorful flowers during the spring to early summer. After blooming, the flowers are pollinated, leading to the formation of seed pods which eventually dry and release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, the foliage photosynthesizes and stores energy in the underground rhizomes. The plants die back to these rhizomes in the winter, going dormant until the next growing season when the cycle begins anew.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagating Iris 'Simple Gifts', a type of Siberian iris, is by division. This particular iris should ideally be divided in late summer to early fall, after it has finished blooming. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of irises, maintaining as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one healthy fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. Trim the leaves to about one third of their original length, which is typically around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm), to reduce transpiration and stress on the rhizome. Replant the divisions into well-drained soil at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them.