Siberian Iris Iris 'Tropic Night' (Sib)
ABOUT
Iris 'Tropic Night' is a visually striking garden plant known for its captivating dark purple flowers. These blooms have a velvety texture and are gracefully shaped with three upright standards and three downward curving falls, the falls displaying a lighter purple or white signal area at their base. The dense arrangement of these vibrant flowers creates a lush display of color during its blooming season. The foliage of the Iris 'Tropic Night' consists of sword-shaped leaves that arise from a central rhizome. These leaves have a fresh green color and are slightly arching, contributing to the plant's overall aesthetic with their linear form and upright habit. The attractive blooms and foliage of 'Tropic Night' combine to make it an appealing addition to any garden, with its striking dark-hued flowers often used as a contrast to lighter-colored plants. It's also commonly grown in clusters to form a rich tapestry of color and texture in garden beds and borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Siberian Iris, Tropic Night Siberian Iris
Common names
Iris sibirica 'Tropic Night'.
ToxicityTo humans
Siberian Iris, including the variety 'Tropic Night', is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity for humans. However, all parts of the plant may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. The rhizomes are more likely than the leaves or flowers to contain compounds that can cause issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if consumed in large quantities.
To pets
Siberian Iris can also be mildly toxic to pets. If pets consume parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, they may experience symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Keep an eye on your pet if they show an interest in the plant, and consult a veterinarian if they ingest a significant amount or display concerning symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: The Iris 'Tropic Night' is known for its striking dark purple flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conserving landscapes.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal interest with its vibrant blooms in late spring or early summer, and its foliage adds texture to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Adaptable: Iris 'Tropic Night' can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Cold Hardy: It is capable of withstanding cold temperatures and can be grown in many temperate regions without substantial winter protection.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Iris 'Tropic Night' can be used as a natural dye, where the petals can provide a range of colors from blues to purples for fabrics and yarns.
- The strong fibers of the Iris 'Tropic Night' leaves can be used in traditional basket weaving and other fiber arts.
- These irises can be planted to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes due to their extensive root systems.
- The plant can be incorporated into a rain garden design, as it can handle wet conditions and helps manage water run-off.
- Iris 'Tropic Night' can be used to create a natural hedge or screen, which can provide privacy and reduce wind in garden environments.
- The flowers can be used in culinary presentations as a non-toxic decorative element on plates and platters.
- Dried Iris 'Tropic Night' petals can serve as a component in potpourri mixes, adding color and a subtle fragrance to the mixture.
- The tall and striking appearance of Iris 'Tropic Night' makes it suitable for use as a natural backdrop in photography and plein air painting.
- The plant's rhizomes can be used in water filtration systems as they support the growth of microorganisms that clean and purify the water.
- Iris 'Tropic Night' can be included in educational gardens to teach about plant biology and hybridization due to its distinctive characteristics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Siberian Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Siberian Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The Iris often signifies hope, sending a message of positivity and expectation for something good to come.
- Wisdom: Historically, the Iris was a symbol of wisdom and valued for its bright colors and distinctive shape, which was reminiscent of the Greek goddess Iris who linked the gods to humanity.
- Royalty: Due to its regal appearance, the Iris sometimes denotes royalty and noble bearings.
- Faith: In some contexts, the Iris is viewed as a symbol of faith, holding religious significance in different cultures.
- Courage: The bold hues and upright petals can symbolize courage, standing tall and proud against adversity.
WaterSiberian Irises, including the 'Tropic Night' variety, prefer consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons per plant to ensure the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. Increase watering frequency during prolonged dry spells or when temperatures are exceptionally high. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as standing water can be detrimental.
LightSiberian Irises like 'Tropic Night' thrive in full sun to partial shade. They perform best when planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would protect them from the harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates while still providing the bright light they need to flourish.
TemperatureSiberian Irises, such as 'Tropic Night,' are cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow best when daytime temperatures range between 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods as this can cause stress and affect growth.
PruningPrune 'Tropic Night' Siberian Iris to remove dead or damaged foliage and spent flower stalks to encourage healthy growth and improve appearance. Pruning is best done in the fall, after blooming has finished and the foliage begins to yellow. Cut back leaves to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. Clean up plant debris to reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSiberian Iris 'Tropic Night' requires a soil mix that is well-draining yet retains moisture, with a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.0). A mix of loam, peat, and perlite or sand, combined with some organic compost, is ideal to provide the necessary nutrients and drainage.
RepottingSiberian Iris 'Tropic Night' typically requires repotting every 3 to 4 years or when the clumps become overcrowded. It's best to repot after flowering in the late summer to early fall, allowing the plant to establish before the cold season.
Humidity & MistingThe ideal humidity for a Siberian Iris 'Tropic Night' is moderate, mimicking its natural environment. They can tolerate humidity levels typical of outdoor conditions in temperate climates but do not require high humidity levels to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, moderate water for Siberian Iris indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun and moist, fertile soil for Siberian Iris.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Siberian Iris, specifically the 'Tropic Night' cultivar, begins with germination from seed, which requires a period of cold stratification to mimic winter conditions. Once the seeds sprout, they develop into young plants with characteristic narrow, grass-like leaves. As the plants mature, they form clumps with rhizomatous roots that store nutrients for perennial growth. Yearly, typically in late spring to early summer, the 'Tropic Night' produces tall stems topped with deep violet-blue flowers, each bloom lasting a short period before withering away. After flowering, the plant sets seed pods, which dry and eventually release seeds to start the cycle anew if conditions allow. Throughout the growing season, the foliage remains attractive, and after the first frost in fall, it dies back to the ground, with the rhizomes enduring through winter to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Iris 'Tropic Night', commonly known as a Siberian Iris, is best propagated through division, which is typically done in the late summer after the flowering period has ended. To propagate by division, you carefully dig up the Iris clump and separate the rhizomes, making sure each piece has a few leaves and a portion of the roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third their length, which is approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to reduce water loss and make handling easier. Next, you replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water well after planting to help establish the new divisions.
