Iris Iris 'Tiki Bird' (Sino-sib)
ABOUT
Iris 'Tiki Bird' features a captivating blend of colors and elegant form characteristic of the Siberian Iris group. The plant showcases a striking display of flowers that are known for their ornate, ruffled petals. Each blossom consists of intricate falls, which are the lower petals that may exhibit a gracefully arching downward curve, and standards, which are the upright petals. The falls often have a velvety texture and might display a variety of hues including rich blues, purples, whites, or yellows, occasionally adorned with intricate veining or speckles. The standards complement the falls with similar or contrasting tones, contributing to the plant’s overall aesthetic appeal. The foliage of Iris 'Tiki Bird' is another of its charming attributes. It boasts slender, grass-like leaves that elegantly arch, forming a clump that adds texture to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. These leaves may emerge with a fresh, bright green color, maturing to a deeper green as the season progresses. This Siberian Iris variety, like others in its group, is celebrated for its hardiness and perennial nature, returning each year to grace gardens with its beauty. It is a favorite among gardeners not only for the gorgeous blooms it produces but also for its inherent resilience and ability to thrive under a wide range of conditions. The plant maintains an upright and clumped growth habit, which makes it an excellent choice for mixed borders, water edges, or as a focal point in a perennial bed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Tiki Bird Iris
Common names
Iris 'Tiki Bird' (Sino-sib).
ToxicityTo humans
Iris 'Tiki Bird', commonly known as Siberian iris, is considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The rhizomes (rootstocks) contain irisin, iridin, or irisine which can cause digestive discomfort. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Handling the plant can also sometimes cause skin irritation due to its mild toxicity.
To pets
Siberian iris is also considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Like in humans, the rhizomes contain compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset in animals such as dogs and cats. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, or abdominal pain. It is advisable to prevent pets from consuming any part of the plant to avoid these adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Iris 'Tiki Bird' features striking blooms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Irises generally require minimal care, making them a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Iris 'Tiki Bird' can tolerate periods of dryness once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Versatility: Irises can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, water gardens, and as cut flowers.
- Cold Hardy: Being part of the Sino-sib group, Iris 'Tiki Bird' is typically hardy in colder climates, allowing it to be grown in many regions.
- Long Bloom Time: Many Irises have a generous bloom period, providing color in the garden for an extended time.
- Deer Resistance: Irises are often resistant to browsing by deer, making them a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses```html
- Dye Production: The Iris 'Tiki Bird' can be used in the natural dyeing process to produce unique and vibrant colors for fabrics.
- Photography Subject: Its distinct coloration and form make it a popular subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Floral Art: Petals of the Iris 'Tiki Bird' are used in floral arrangements and to create intricate pressed flower art.
- Garden Design: These irises can be strategically planted to create patterns and designs in landscape gardening.
- Educational Tool: Botany students study the Iris 'Tiki Bird' for its unique hybrid characteristics and its place in the plant taxonomy.
- Water Filtration: When planted near water bodies, they can help in the partial natural filtration of the water by trapping sediments.
- Perfumery: Although more commonly known for its visual beauty, the scent of the Iris 'Tiki Bird' can be used in crafting perfumes.
- Horticultural Therapy: Gardening the Iris 'Tiki Bird' is often included in therapeutic gardening programs for its calming effects and care requirements.
- Nutrient Indicator: This plant can serve as an indicator of soil nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen, based on its growth and leaf color.
- Culinary Decoration: While not commonly used for consumption, the flowers can occasionally embellish gourmet dishes as an ornamental feature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The iris often symbolizes hope, evoking the expectation that something good will come in the future.
- Trust: With its upright stance and commanding presence, the iris can represent trust and a message of reliance.
- Wisdom: Known for its connection to Greek mythology and the goddess Iris, this flower is associated with wisdom and valued knowledge.
- Courage: In some cultures, the iris stands for courage, reflecting the brave heart of both the giver and receiver.
- Purity: The clear and bold colors of the iris can convey purity of heart and clarity of thought.
- Royalty: Historically, irises have been linked to royalty and nobility, partly because of their luxurious appearance and the French monarchy's use of the fleur-de-lis, a stylized iris.
- Messages: The iris is tied to the role of the messenger in Greek mythology, symbolizing the delivery of important news or communication.
- Faith: Faith is another key symbolism of the iris, as it often stands for belief in something beyond oneself.
- Valor: Similar to courage, the iris can symbolize valor, particularly in the context of facing challenges with bravery.
WaterSino-siberian Irises like 'Tiki Bird' prefer consistent moisture, especially during their active growth in spring and early summer. They should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the local climate and soil drainage. It's essential to avoid overwatering, as standing water can cause root rot. During the hot, dry periods of summer, you might need to increase watering frequency but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering after the blooming period as the plant goes dormant, especially in fall.
LightSino-siberian Irises such as 'Tiki Bird' perform best in full sun to partial shade. They thrive with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these Irises would be one that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates to protect from intense heat. Avoid deep shade locations, as insufficient light can affect blooming and overall plant health.
TemperatureSino-siberian Irises including 'Tiki Bird' are fairly robust and can tolerate a temperature range from as low as 5 degrees to as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They do best in moderate temperatures, ideally between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper insulation during winter can help protect the rhizomes from extreme cold.
PruningPrune Sino-siberian Irises like 'Tiki Bird' to remove any damaged or dead leaves and spent flower stalks to encourage healthy growth and improve the plant's appearance. Regular pruning is also necessary to prevent disease spread. The best time for pruning is post-blooming or in the fall before the onset of winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Siberian Iris 'Tiki Bird' should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH of slightly acidic to neutral (around pH 6.5-7). A mixture of loam, compost, and a bit of sand for improved drainage would be ideal for this plant.
RepottingSiberian Iris 'Tiki Bird' should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when it outgrows its current container. Divide clumps during repotting to rejuvenate growth and increase blooms.
Humidity & MistingSiberian Iris 'Tiki Bird' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant can help maintain appropriate humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, no direct sun, and ensure moist soil.
Outdoor
Full to partial sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Sino-Siberian Iris 'Tiki Bird' begins with seed germination, which requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy, typically followed by sowing in spring. Once germinated, the seedlings grow and develop into young plants, forming characteristic narrow, lance-shaped leaves. As the plants mature, they develop strong root systems and rhizomes, the latter of which can be divided to propagate new plants. The Iris 'Tiki Bird' reaches flowering maturity and produces distinctive flowers, often in shades of yellow, blue, purple, or a combination thereof, from late spring to early summer. After blooming, the plant sets seed, which can be collected for propagation if desired, while the foliage continues to photosynthesize and store energy in the rhizomes. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the winter months, with the cycle repeating the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Iris 'Tiki Bird', which is a type of Siberian Iris, is through division. This is generally done after flowering has finished and the plant has entered dormancy, typically late summer to early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of irises and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each section has at least one fan of leaves. Trim the leaves to about one third of their original height, which is usually about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce water loss. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing at originally, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. Division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may not be flowering as vigorously and increases the number of plants for the garden or sharing with fellow gardeners.
