It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, which is also the name for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. Some authors state that the name refers to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species. It is a popular garden flower.

In addition to adding beauty to the garden, solitary native bees use the tall-pithy flower stems as nesting material during the winter (Vorel 2010). Hummingbirds gather nectar from the flowers of Siberian iris, acting as pollinators as they visit each flower.

Edible Uses: Root – an edible starch is said to be extracted from it[2, 105, 177]. The root is not eaten in China[178]. Some caution is advised since there are reports that the plant might be poisonous.

Toxicity. Like many other irises, most parts of the plant are poisonous (rhizome and leaves), if mistakenly ingested can cause stomach pains and vomiting. Also handling the plant may cause a skin irritation or an allergic reaction.

The bulbs of irises are poisonous, possibly only mildly so. Irises contain the potentially toxic compounds irisin, iridin, or irisine. Symptoms of Poisoning: The gastrointestinal tract may become affected by the glycoside iridin, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and fever.

And they don’t all come with warning names like “deadly nightshade.” Irises, calla lilies, sweet peas and potato flowers are all lovely to look at, common decor at weddings or in the garden (or at garden weddings), and completely dangerous if ingested.

Is The Walking Iris Plant Toxic Or Poisonous? All parts of the plant are poisonous and may cause gastrointestinal problems. Kids and pets should not be allowed to ingest Neomarica.

Iris plants are best cut back in the fall. Spent flower stalks can be removed in spring after the plants finish blooming, but the foliage should be left standing through summertime. In mid-autumn, cut the leaves back to about 3″ long above the soil line.

See pest tips below. Deadhead (remove spent blooms) consistently; Bearded Irises will flower sequentially on buds spaced along the stems. After blooming is finished, cut flower stems down at their base, but do NOT trim iris leaves after they have finished blooming.

Iris Make Great Cut Flowers For longer lasting flowers cut your Iris early in the day with the buds just opening. Place them in a bucket of tepid water and recut the stem end underwater at an angle one inch up. Pinch off and remove wilted flowers immediately.

Purple iris brings a message of wisdom and compliments, while a bouquet of blue iris blossoms speak of hope and faith. When passion is the iris definition you wish to convey, send yellow blooms. For bridal bouquets, white iris flowers are ideal, because these blooms symbolize purity.

SUN OR SHADE: Iris flower best in full sun, though most can also be grown in dappled shade.

Instructions

1. Dig up the Clump. Using a garden shovel, dig up the entire clump of iris.
2. Divide the Clump Into Sections. Shake off loose dirt, and divide the large clump into sections by tugging it apart with your hands.
3. Trim the Leaves.
4. Inspect the Rhizome Sections.
5. Prepare a Planting Hole.
6. Plant the Iris.
7. Caring for New Iris.