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How to Grow Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Scentimental'

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Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Scentimental'

Iris pumila 'Scentimental'

flower

Iris pumila 'Scentimental' is a compact dwarf bearded iris cultivar prized for its fragrant, bicolored flowers with deep burgundy-red standards and white falls heavily spotted with burgundy. This diminutive iris typically grows 10-16 inches tall and blooms in mid-spring. The variety combines the manageable size of dwarf iris with exceptional scent and striking color contrast.

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Example Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Scentimental' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Scentimental'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Scentimental' blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Scentimental' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, minimum 6-8 hours daily; thrives with 8+ hours for best flowering
💧
Water: Moderate water during growing season; reduce after blooming. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Drought tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering, especially after bloom, as this invites rot.
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: First-year blooms possible; reaches full maturity in 2-3 years
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Planting depth: Rhizomes planted with top 1/3 exposed above soil surface; never bury rhizomes completely

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil; iris require excellent drainage
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Bonemeal at planting Avoid heavy mulch that traps moisture

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Dormancy/Dormant Rhizome

October-March (varies by climate)

Rhizome is bare or lightly leafed, stored dry or in cool location

Store rhizomes in cool (50-60°F), dry conditions over winter. Inspect for soft spots or fungal damage. Dust with sulfur if rot appears.

2

Growth & Leaf Development

8-12 weeks before bloom

Rhizome produces new leaves; fan of blue-green foliage emerges and develops

Plant rhizomes in late summer to fall or very early spring. Water moderately until growth is evident. Remove any dead or damaged leaves. Ensure excellent drainage.

3

Bud Formation & Flowering

2-4 weeks

Flower stem (called a scape) emerges with buds; characteristic bicolored burgundy and white flowers open sequentially

Support stems if needed in windy areas. Remove spent flowers (deadheading). Enjoy fragrance. Stake taller stems. The distinctive scent is most noticeable on warm mornings.

4

Post-Bloom & Seed Development

4-6 weeks

Flowers fade; seed pods develop if flowers are not deadheaded. Foliage remains ornamental

Remove spent flower stems at base (called 'cutting back') to redirect energy. Allow some flowers to mature seed only if seed collection desired. Reduce watering significantly.

5

Summer Dormancy & Decline

June-September

Foliage yellows and dies back as plant prepares for dormancy; rhizome rests

Stop watering; allow foliage to naturally senesce. Cut back brown leaves to 3-4 inches in late summer. Avoid fertilizing. Allow soil to dry out completely.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Catmint (Nepeta) Russian Sage (Perovskia) Salvia Lavender Coreopsis Allium Armeria (Thrift) Dianthus Sedum Ornamental grasses (Festuca, Stipa)

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring constant moisture (Hosta, Astilbe) Heavy feeders that compete for nutrients Dense shade-casting plants Areas with poor drainage or standing water

Common Pests

  • Remove and destroy affected leaves and rhizomes. In fall, cut foliage to 3-4 inches to remove egg-laying sites. Use beneficial nematodes in soil. Inspect rhizomes when dividing and remove any with soft spots.

  • and

    Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Create barriers with diatomaceous earth. Remove leaf debris where they hide. Beer traps may help.

  • Spray with strong water stream. Apply insecticidal soap if severe. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.

  • Remove and destroy affected plant material. No effective chemical control; focus on sanitation and removing damaged rhizomes.

Uses

🍳

Orris Root Flavoring

Culinary

While primarily an ornamental, some iris rhizomes (particularly older varieties and species) have been historically used to flavor spirits and beverages, with a violet-like fragrance. 'Scentimental' is primarily ornamental but represents the aromatic iris heritage. [source]

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Fragrant Cut Flowers

Household

'Scentimental' produces sweetly fragrant blooms ideal for indoor arrangements and bouquets. The scent is most pronounced on warm spring mornings. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Iris rhizomes have been used traditionally in herbalism for digestive and respiratory support, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Consult herbalists for proper preparation. [source]

🎨

Garden Design & Landscaping

Craft

'Scentimental' excels in rock gardens, borders, containers, and small spaces due to its dwarf size and striking appearance. It adds early spring color and structure to perennial gardens. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Iris flowers attract native bees and other pollinators in early spring when food sources are scarce, making them valuable for supporting ecological diversity. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For cut flowers, harvest stems in early morning when first bloom on stem has opened. Cut at base with sharp knife. Place immediately in cool water. Flowers last 7-10 days in arrangement. For seed collection (optional): allow some flowers to mature into seed pods, then harvest pods when brown and papery (late summer), dry completely, and extract seeds.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 'Scentimental' won the Dykes Medal, the highest award for iris cultivars given by the American Iris Society, recognizing its excellence in color, form, and fragrance.
  • 🌱 The name 'Scentimental' is a clever pun combining 'scent' with 'sentimental,' emphasizing the cultivar's prized fragrance—an uncommon trait in many modern dwarf iris varieties.
  • 🌱 Iris pumila is known as the 'Peacock Flower' and has been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of iris gardens in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Persia dating back at least 3,500 years.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun
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