Siberian Iris Iris 'Smudger's Gift' (Sib)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Smudger's Gift' belongs to the family commonly known as the Siberian iris. This cultivar showcases the distinguished elegance of irises with their striking flower form and foliage. The plant sports vibrant blossoms, with each flower comprising three upright petals, called standards, and three downward-curving petals known as falls. The falls often display a stunning blend of colors, which may include shades of purple, blue, or a mixture of pastel hues, sometimes adorned with veining or speckling that adds depth and character. The heart of the flower is often accented with a contrasting patch of color, known as the signal, which can be white or a bright yellow, drawing the attention of pollinators. Adding to the visual appeal are the slim, sword-like leaves that create an upright, clumping form. These leaves remain attractively green throughout the growing season, providing a vertical element to a border planting or garden bed. The foliage and stems of Iris 'Smudger's Gift' have a graceful, arching habit, with the glossy leaves radiating out from a central clump, creating a fountain-like effect. The flowers are borne atop slender, sturdy stalks that rise above the foliage, prominently displaying the blooms when the plant is in flower. This Siberian iris variety adds elegance and vertical dimension to the garden and is prized not only for its beautiful flowers but also for its handsome foliage that remains attractive even when the plant is not in bloom. It is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting color and structure to their landscape design.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Siberian Iris
- Common names
  Iris sibirica 'Smudger's Gift'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The common name for Iris 'Smudger's Gift' (Sib) is Siberian iris. Siberian irises are generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, they do contain compounds that can cause irritation. If ingested, parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, may cause mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is always advisable to wear gloves when gardening and wash hands thoroughly after handling plants to prevent any potential irritation or allergic reactions.
- To pets
  Siberian iris can also be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. While it is not known to be highly poisonous, consuming parts of this plant, particularly the rhizomes, can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Pets may also experience drooling or abdominal pain. It's important to keep an eye on pets when they are around plants and to discourage them from chewing on any plant material to avoid potential discomfort and health issues. If a pet does ingest Siberian iris, monitor for any symptoms and consult with a veterinarian if any concerns arise.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  3-8
- Native area
  Northern Hemisphere

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Iris 'Smudger's Gift' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its striking flowers and foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Siberian Irises like 'Smudger's Gift' are often tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: This plant typically requires minimal upkeep beyond basic watering and occasional division to maintain its health and vigor.
- Attracts Pollinators: Siberian Irises can attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Cold Hardy: 'Smudger's Gift' is suited for cold climates and can survive harsh winters, making it a good choice for northern gardeners.
- Soil Versatility: It can tolerate a range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils.
- Deer Resistant: Siberian Irises are generally resistant to deer, which can be particularly beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardens.
- Long Lifespan: These perennials have a long life span, providing years of enjoyment with proper care.
- Multiplication: They can be propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Seasonal Interest: Beyond the bloom period, Siberian Irises provide structure and texture to garden landscapes throughout the growing season.
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
- Artistic inspiration: The Iris 'Smudger's Gift' can serve as a muse for artists and photographers, providing a striking subject with its deep-colored blooms and unique appearance.
- Craft projects: The petals of the Iris can be used in craft projects, such as pressing them for decorative cards or bookmarks.
- Garden design: The Iris can be used in garden design, as its height and color can create visually appealing patterns or serve as a backdrop for shorter plants.
- Educational tool: The Iris can be used in botany lessons to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and pollination techniques.
- Wedding decor: The Iris can be incorporated into wedding floral arrangements or as part of the bride and groom's table centerpieces due to their striking appearance.
- Culinary garnish: While not a common practice, the petals of some Iris varieties are edible and can add a colorful garnish to salads and desserts (though always check for edibility and non-toxicity).
- Fragrance extraction: The subtle scent of the Iris 'Smudger's Gift' could be used to create a light perfume or added to potpourris and scented sachets.
- Seasonal celebrations: The Iris blooms can add to seasonal decor, particularly for spring events and celebrations due to their association with the season.
- Color theme events: For events with specific color themes, the Iris can be included in floral displays and arrangements that require its unique hue.
- Dyeing fabric: Historically, some Iris species were used to create natural dyes, which could be experimented with using the 'Smudger's Gift' petals for a creative endeavor (with proper knowledge and testing).

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: Irises generally symbolize hope and faith, reflecting a trust in the future.
- Wisdom: Historically associated with royalty and the French monarchy, the iris can represent wisdom and valued knowledge.
- Courage: The bold colors and striking appearance of the iris convey a message of bravery and courage.
- Purity: The delicate and clean form of the flower can symbolize purity and innocence.
- Spiritual connection: Some believe the iris is a bridge between heaven and earth, signifying spiritual awareness.

💧

Every week

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Siberian irises, like 'Smudger's Gift', thrive with consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. They should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to maintain soil moisture. A general guideline is to provide about one to two gallons per plant per watering session, ensuring it reaches the root zone. In the dormant season, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture.
Light
Siberian irises, including 'Smudger's Gift', prefer full sun to partial shade. The best spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If you're in a particularly hot climate, provide some afternoon shade to protect the plant from intense heat. However, too much shade can lead to fewer blooms, so balance is key.
Temperature
Siberian irises, such as 'Smudger's Gift', are cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F, which makes them suitable for many climates. They generally prefer a temperature range between 40°F and 85°F for optimal growth. The ideal temperature conditions for them would be in the range of 60°F to 70°F during the growing season.
Pruning
Prune Siberian irises, such as 'Smudger’s Gift', after they finish blooming to tidy up the plant and remove spent flowers; this helps prevent seed formation, encouraging more vigorous blooms the following year. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall to keep the garden tidy and reduce the chance of disease carryover. Pruning is typically done yearly.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Siberian Iris 'Smudger's Gift' thrives best in a well-draining, loamy soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7. To create an ideal soil mixture, combine two parts garden soil with one part well-rotted compost and one part coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer is beneficial during the growing season.
Repotting
Siberian Irises generally do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same location for several years. However, if you notice a decrease in blooming or the clumps become too congested, it's advisable to divide and repot every 3 to 4 years, preferably in the early spring or after the flowering season.
Humidity & Misting
Siberian Iris 'Smudger's Gift' prefers average humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments. They are fairly adaptable and do not require specific humidity levels to thrive, making them suitable for a range of climates as long as their soil moisture needs are met.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moist soil for Siberian Iris.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to part shade, keep soil moist, mulch well.
- Hardiness zone
  3-8 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Smudger's Gift', commonly a type of Siberian Iris, begins its life as a rhizome, which is a type of bulb-like storage organ that gives rise to both roots and shoots. After planting, the rhizome sprouts and develops into a seedling, producing narrow, grass-like leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a clump and eventually sends up tall, sturdy stems that bear the characteristic iris flowers, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. After pollination, flowers produce seed pods that, when mature, release seeds to propagate the next generation. During the summer months, foliage continues to photosynthesize, providing energy for the following season's growth before dying back in the fall. Siberian Irises have a period of dormancy during the colder winter months and resume growth in the spring from the existing rhizomes, completing their perennial life cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Summer
- Propogation: Iris 'Smudger's Gift', commonly referred to as a Siberian Iris, is best propagated by division, a process often carried out in late summer to early fall, after the blooming period has ended. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of iris out of the ground using a spade or fork. Gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one fan of leaves and a section of roots. Trim the leaves to a height of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) to reduce moisture loss and replant the divisions at the same soil depth they were previously grown. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method of propagation allows quick multiplication of the plants and helps rejuvenate older clumps that may have ceased blooming efficiently.