The Iris, with its intricate petals and stately form, has long captivated gardeners. These resilient blooms offer a spectrum of colors, transforming any garden space into a vibrant display. Among the many enchanting varieties, Iris ‘Eros Love’ stands out as a particularly compelling choice for its delicate beauty and evocative name. This guide will explore the unique attributes and cultivation needs of this charming iris.
What is Iris ‘Eros Love’?
The Iris ‘Eros Love’ is a Border Bearded (BB) iris cultivar, officially registered as ‘Love In The Air’ by hybridizer Lynda Miller in 2014. This variety reaches a mature height of about 25 inches (64 cm) and typically blooms in the late midseason. Its distinctive flowers are characterized by a soft peach-pink hue, presenting as a self-color where the standards (upright petals) and falls (downward-cascading petals) share the same delicate shade.
A unique feature of ‘Love In The Air’ is its “huge, coral, fuzzy pink horn” beards, which are prominent, textured appendages on the falls. This cultivar also possesses a slight musky fragrance, adding another sensory dimension to its appeal. As a bearded iris, it grows from a rhizome, which is a fleshy, tuber-like root structure that sits at or near the soil surface.
Growing and Caring for Iris ‘Eros Love’
Successful cultivation of Iris ‘Eros Love’ begins with proper planting, ideally in late summer or early fall. This timing allows the rhizomes at least six weeks to establish a robust root system before the first hard frost arrives. Select a site that receives full sun exposure, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, which is crucial for optimal blooming.
Well-draining soil is paramount for irises, as excessive moisture can lead to rhizome rot and disease. If your garden has heavy clay soil, consider amending it with sand and organic matter, or plant in raised beds to improve drainage. When planting, dig a shallow hole and create a small mound of soil in the center. Position the rhizome on this mound, spreading the roots downwards, and ensure the top of the rhizome remains at or just barely above the soil surface.
Initial watering should be thorough to help establish the plant, providing consistent moisture until roots are well-established. Once established, ‘Eros Love’ is relatively drought tolerant, requiring supplemental watering only during prolonged dry periods. Overwatering, especially in humid conditions, can be detrimental.
Fertilization is not always necessary, but a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer can encourage healthier growth and more blooms. A formula like 6-10-10 or 10-10-10 can be applied in early spring, about a month before bloom, and again roughly a month after flowering. Apply fertilizer around the plant, a few inches away from the rhizomes to prevent burning.
Iris ‘Eros Love’ thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. Basic maintenance includes deadheading spent blooms to encourage vigor and dividing overcrowded rhizomes every three to five years to maintain bloom quality. Division is best done in late summer or early fall, after the plant has finished blooming.
The Symbolism of Iris ‘Eros Love’
The name ‘Eros Love’ evokes themes of affection and passion, drawing from ancient Greek mythology. “Eros” refers to the Greek god of love and desire, associated with intense, romantic attraction. This suggests the flower embodies profound, passionate love.
Irises generally carry rich symbolism, representing faith, hope, wisdom, and valor across cultures. Pink irises, for instance, often symbolize love, understanding, and deep friendships. Given ‘Eros Love’s’ peach-pink coloration, it aligns with sentiments of deep affection and heartfelt emotion.
The combination of “Eros” and “Love” in its name emphasizes profound emotional bonds. This iris represents intense yearning and romantic devotion. Its delicate yet striking appearance, coupled with its subtle fragrance, makes it a fitting emblem for expressing deep and passionate sentiments.