Siberian Iris Iris 'Teal Velvet' (Sib)
ABOUT
Iris 'Teal Velvet' (Sib), commonly known as the Siberian Iris, is a striking ornamental plant known for its luxurious, plush blooms. The flowers have a sumptuous deep teal color with velvety textures, making them appear almost silken to touch. The petals usually display an exquisite gradient of color intensity, with the deepest shades at the edges, slowly lightening as it reaches the center of the bloom. This presents a contrast with the lighter or sometimes yellowish markings that adorn the falls – the downward curving petal segments – adding to the visual allure of each flower. The Siberian Iris 'Teal Velvet' presents a clump-forming habit, with multiple stems that seem to rise elegantly among the tufts of long, slender leaves. These leaves are grass-like in appearance, bright green, and create an attractive, fountain-like backdrop for the majestic flowers. The foliage itself adds texture and movement to gardens as it sways gently in the breeze. The blooms are carried on strong, upright stems that rise gracefully above the foliage. Each stem typically bears multiple buds, which unfurl sequentially to extend the blooming period and keep the display vibrant over a length of time. The overall appearance of this iris is one of refined elegance and subtle, natural beauty. It's a favorite among gardeners seeking to add a touch of sophistication and tranquility to their floral arrangements or garden beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Siberian Iris, Teal Velvet Siberian Iris
Common names
Iris sibirica 'Teal Velvet'
ToxicityTo humans
The Siberian iris, commonly called Iris 'Teal Velvet', is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, all parts of irises have the potential to cause irritation if ingested. The rhizomes, or underground stems, are more likely to contain irritants. If someone eats parts of a Siberian iris, they might experience symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It's best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming any part of the Siberian iris.
To pets
The Siberian iris can be toxic to pets if ingested. While it is not one of the most toxic plants to pets, it can still cause some adverse effects. The most common symptoms of poisoning from the Siberian iris in pets include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, animals might also show signs of drooling or abdominal pain. Owners should prevent their pets from eating this plant and should seek veterinary care if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Northern Hemisphere
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: The Iris 'Teal Velvet' offers striking teal-blue flowers that add a vibrant splash of color to any garden.
- Low Maintenance: This Siberian Iris is known for being hardy and low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in regions with occasional water shortages.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold climates, making it a good choice for gardeners in cooler regions.
- Naturalizing: The plant has the ability to naturalize, spreading out and filling in garden spaces over time.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to pollinate nearby plants.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is typically resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens with wildlife.
- Long Blooming Period: Iris 'Teal Velvet' usually has a long blooming period, offering garden color for an extended time each season.
- Architectural Interest: Its tall, slender foliage and striking flowers add architectural interest to garden beds and borders.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The tall and sturdy stems of Siberian Iris 'Teal Velvet' can be used as natural stakes or supports for other, more delicate plants in the garden.
- The fibrous roots of Siberian Iris can be used in making traditional crafts such as woven baskets or mats, imparting an aesthetic, natural look.
- Dried Siberian Iris flowers can be used in potpourri mixtures, adding color and a subtle fragrance to the blend.
- The seed pods of Siberian Iris, once dried, can be used in floral arrangements or as an element in decorative wreaths and door hangings.
- Petals of the Siberian Iris can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, yielding hues of blue and purple depending on the mordant used.
- The distinct shape of Siberian Iris leaves can be used in art classes for botanical drawing exercises and nature study.
- Siberian Iris plants can be planted in outdoor ponds and water gardens, where they can provide cover for aquatic wildlife.
- The rhizomes of Siberian Iris may serve as a food source for certain wildlife, such as deer, when other food is scarce.
- After they have flowered, the dried stalks of Siberian Iris can be used to create natural wind chimes or garden mobiles when hung with small objects that clink together.
- Siberian Iris can be used in nature photography as a subject for practicing macro photography and depth-of-field techniques due to their intricate flower structure.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: The Iris often symbolizes wisdom, a trait that is historically tied to the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger of the gods and a link between heaven and earth.
- Hope: The Iris can be a symbol of hope, representing a belief in a positive future and the anticipation of good things to come.
- Faith: As a flower that blooms in a variety of conditions, the Iris is frequently seen as a symbol of faith, embodying trust in oneself and the universe.
- Courage: In its bold presence and striking appearance, the Iris can signify courage, and is sometimes associated with the French monarchy's fleur-de-lis emblem, which is thought to represent valor.
- Royalty: The elegant and regal appearance of the Iris gives it a connection to royalty and noble virtues.
- Purity: With its bright petals and upright stance, the Iris may represent purity and innocence.
WaterSiberian Iris plants, including the 'Teal Velvet', prefer consistently moist but well-drained soil, especially during their growth and blooming period in spring and early summer. You should water the plant roughly once a week, or more often if the weather is particularly hot or dry. A general rule of thumb is to provide about 1 inch of water each week, which can translate to roughly 0.6 gallons per square foot over the period. It’s important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil drains well. During the winter, they require less water, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely.
LightSiberian Irises like 'Teal Velvet' thrive best in full sun to part shade. An ideal spot would provide them with at least six hours of sunlight each day. However, in hotter climates, they can benefit from some afternoon shade to protect them from the intensity of the late-day sun. The amount of light can significantly affect their bloom, with more light generally leading to better flower production.
TemperatureThe Siberian Iris 'Teal Velvet' is well-suited to a wide range of temperatures and can survive winter lows down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit. They can also handle summer highs up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, although they prefer cooler conditions, typically thriving in temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to provide adequate protection and insulation during extreme cold spells to ensure their roots are not damaged.
PruningPruning Siberian Irises like 'Teal Velvet' is primarily done to remove spent flower stems and to tidy up the plant after blooming. Deadheading, or cutting back the spent flowers, can sometimes encourage rebloom. After the first frost in fall, cut back the foliage to within a few inches of the ground to help prevent disease. Pruning is typically done annually, and the best time is in late fall or early winter after the growing season has ended.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Siberian Iris 'Teal Velvet' prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7. A mix incorporating loam, peat, and some sand would be ideal to facilitate proper drainage while retaining adequate moisture. Amend with compost to enrich soil fertility and structure.
RepottingSiberian Irises like 'Teal Velvet' typically require repotting every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate and divide the rhizomes. Repot them after flowering in late summer when they have become overcrowded or to renew the soil's nutrient content.
Humidity & MistingSiberian Iris 'Teal Velvet' thrives in average garden humidity levels. They do not have specific humidity requirements, but a natural outdoor environment usually provides adequate humidity for their growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade with moist well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleIris 'Teal Velvet', a Siberian Iris, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome which is typically planted in late summer to fall. In spring, the rhizome sprouts foliage—long, slender, grass-like leaves that form a clump. As the plant matures into late spring to early summer, flower stalks emerge, topped with the plant's characteristic velvety, deep blue-purple flowers. After blooming, the flowers fade and seed pods may form, containing seeds that can be dispersed to propagate new plants. Over the summer, the foliage continues to provide architectural interest before dying back as temperatures drop in the fall. The plant then re-enters dormancy over winter, with the cycle repeating the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Propogation: The popular method for propagating Iris 'Teal Velvet', a Siberian iris, typically involves division of its rhizomes. This is best done in late summer after flowering or in early fall, giving plants time to establish before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of irises, maintaining as many roots as possible. Gently pull or cut apart the rhizomes, ensuring each section has a fan of leaves and healthy roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their original length to reduce transpiration and replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart, to allow ample room for growth. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. This method will help maintain the vigor of the iris and produce new plants identical to the parent.
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