Siberian Iris Iris 'Viel Creme' (Sib)

☠ Toxic to humans
🐾 Toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Not edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
Siberian iris 'Viel Creme'

ABOUT

Iris 'Viel Creme' is a beautifully striking plant known for its unique and elegant flowers. Its flowers have a soft, creamy appearance, often adorned with delicate veins or slight color variations that can include pale yellows or subtle lavenders, giving it a soft yet vibrant look. Each bloom comprises three upright petals, also known as standards, and three outer petals called falls that may exhibit a graceful downward curve. The falls often showcase a gentle blending of colors and sometimes feature a bright, contrasting beard, which is a fuzzy patch that adds texture and interest. The foliage of Iris 'Viel Creme' typically consists of long, sword-like leaves that are a deep, rich green, arranged in a fan-like pattern. They provide a striking backdrop to the soft, creamy blooms, creating a contrast that makes the flowers stand out more prominently. The plant's overall appearance is one of classic elegance, with the creamy hues of the flowers offering a sense of tranquility and sophistication to any garden setting.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Family

      Iridaceae

    • Synonyms

      Siberian Iris, Butter and Sugar Iris

    • Common names

      Iris sibirica 'Viel Creme'.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Iris 'Viel Creme', a cultivar of Siberian iris, is not generally considered highly toxic to humans. However, the rhizomes (underground stems) and possibly other parts of the plant can cause stomach upset if ingested. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in some individuals due to the presence of certain compounds like irisin, iridin, or irisine. If any part of the Siberian iris is ingested, symptoms of mild poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

    • To pets

      Siberian iris, to which Iris 'Viel Creme' belongs, is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. Still, as with humans, it can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested by animals, such as cats and dogs. The rhizomes are the most likely part of the plant to cause issues, and symptoms of ingestion might include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or abdominal discomfort. If you suspect your pet has ingested a significant amount of Siberian iris, it is best to contact a veterinarian.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Deciduous

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      Cream

    • Height

      2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

    • Spread

      1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

    • Plant type

      Bulb

    • Hardiness zones

      3-9

    • Native area

      Europe Asia

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its creamy white blooms and attractive foliage.
    • Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, requiring less water than many other garden plants.
    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once it has been established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance options.
    • Wildlife Attraction: Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
    • Soil Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil and prevents erosion in the garden or landscape setting.
    • Cold Hardiness: Able to survive in colder climates, making it a versatile addition to various garden zones.
    • Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to create more plants from an established clump.
    • Seasonal Interest: Provides seasonal interest with flowers in late spring to early summer and persistent foliage throughout the growing season.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    This plant is not used for medical purposes.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Photography subject: The Iris 'Viel Creme' provides a visually appealing subject for photographers, offering intricate details and soft color palette for close-up nature photography.
    • Artistic inspiration: Artists often use the striking blooms of the Iris as a model for paintings, drawings, and other artistic pieces, due to their unique form and color.
    • Educational tool: Botany teachers may use the Iris 'Viel Creme' in classrooms to demonstrate plant anatomy, including parts of a flower and pollination processes.
    • Fabric design: The beautiful patterns and colors of the Iris 'Viel Creme' can inspire textile patterns for clothing, curtains, and upholstered furniture.
    • Garden themes: The Iris 'Viel Creme' can be used to create a 'Monochrome' or 'Pastel' themed garden, providing a serene and visually harmonious landscape design.
    • Culinary decoration: Petals of the Iris 'Viel Creme' can be used to decorate cakes and pastries, although they are not to be consumed and should be removed before eating.
    • Craft projects: Dried Iris 'Viel Creme' flowers can be used for scrapbooking, card making, or to embellish other craft projects with natural elements.
    • Wedding decor: Irises, including the Veil Creme variety, can be incorporated into wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations for their aesthetic appeal.
    • Perfumery: While not necessarily for direct use, the scent of an Iris garden, including 'Viel Creme', can inspire fragrances and be an olfactory component in perfume creation.
    • Color inspiration: The delicate cream hue of the Iris 'Viel Creme' can be used by interior designers and homeowners alike to create a color scheme for room decor.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Siberian iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    The Siberian iris is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Hope: The Iris often symbolizes hope due to its vibrant bloom that comes after a long winter, heralding the coming of spring.
    • Wisdom: Historically, the Iris is associated with wisdom, as it was named after the Greek messenger of the gods, Iris, who was believed to be wise and trusted.
    • Royalty: The flower has a regal appearance, which has made it a symbol of royalty and noble bearing throughout history.
    • Purity: Irises, particularly in lighter shades such as the Iris 'Viel Creme', are often associated with purity and innocence.
    • Courage: The bold colors and sturdy nature of the Iris can symbolize courage and admiration.
    • Messages: As the flower named after the goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods, the Iris can represent communication and the delivery of messages.
    • Faith: The Iris is sometimes used to represent faith, trust, and belief in something beyond oneself.
    • Valor: In some cultures, the Iris is given to honor someone's bravery and to acknowledge their valiant efforts.

💧
Every 5-7 days
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
6%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Late Summer to Fall
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning

  • water dropWater

    The Siberian Iris should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water which would be equivalent to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot. During hot, dry spells, increase watering to twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. It's best to water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Cut back on watering as the plant goes dormant after blooming.

  • sunLight

    The Siberian Iris thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. An ideal location would offer at least six hours of direct sunlight, though some afternoon shade is beneficial in hotter climates. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as this can lead to poor blooming and increased susceptibility to disease.

  • thermometerTemperature

    The Siberian Iris prefers moderate temperatures and typically fares well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. They can survive in temperatures as low as -40°F and as high as 90°F, but the ideal growing temperature range is between 70°F and 80°F during the growing season with cooler conditions after they have flowered.

  • scissorsPruning

    Prune the Siberian Iris to remove any spent flowers and trim back foliage in the late fall to tidy up the plant and encourage healthy growth for the following spring. Pruning is also necessary to remove any damaged or diseased leaves which can occur throughout the growing season. The best time for a major prune is after the first hard frost when the plant is dormant.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    The best soil mix for Siberian Iris should be well-draining, humus-rich, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve fertility.

  • plantRepotting

    Siberian Iris typically does not need frequent repotting and can be divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor or control the plant's spread.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Siberian Iris is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions when planted outdoors in its suitable climate zones.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Ensure bright light and cool temperatures for indoor Siberian Iris.

    • Outdoor

      Plant in sun to part shade, moist soil, provide cold winter period.

    • Hardiness zone

      3-8 USDA

  • circleLife cycle

    The life cycle of Iris 'Viel Creme' (Siberian Iris) begins with seed germination, requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy. Following germination, seedlings grow and develop into juvenile plants, initiating vegetative growth characterized by the development of long, grass-like leaves. As the plants mature, they form robust rhizomes underground, which store energy and give rise to new shoots. The Siberian Iris reaches reproductive maturity and blooms in late spring to early summer, producing creamy, light-yellow to white flowers that are capable of self-pollination or crossing with the aid of pollinators. After fertilization, seed pods develop, later drying and releasing seeds to complete the cycle. These iris plants go dormant in the winter, with the rhizomes surviving underground until the onset of warmer weather and the cycle begins anew.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Late Summer to Fall

    • The Iris 'Viel Creme' (Siberian Iris) is most commonly propagated through division. The best time to divide and propagate these irises is in late summer, after they have finished blooming. To propagate by division, dig up the clump of iris rhizomes carefully to not damage them too much. Using a sharp knife, cleanly cut the rhizomes into sections, each with at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots attached. Replant these divisions promptly about 1 to 2 feet apart, at the same depth they were growing previously, and water them well. It is essential to ensure the divided rhizomes get adequate moisture as they establish themselves in their new location.

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