Iris Sibirica
Bullets of violet-blue streaking skywards
We have rediscovered this slender (usually blue) Iris with a tracery of delicate patterns on the throats of its falls.
It was the inspiration behind the blue theme of our Sorbus Allee bed and there must be 15 different varieties* through the garden.
The narrow green leaves and upright heads of Iris Sibirica White Swirl is now threaded through the largest bed in our White Garden.
Our other varieties are led by the beefy extravagance of Silver Edge, the almost navy blue of Teal Velvet and patterned throats of Dragonfly.
Reasons to grow
- They race upwards like New York skyscrapers held high on stiff stalks above fresh grass-like green foliage
- Impressive close-formations give a generous burst of colour
- Delicate patterns on their falls reward close inspection
- They come fairly reliably from seeds, can be divided and are pest-free
- They don’t take up much space in the border
Things to watch for
- Occasionally a clump will get shaded out, sulk, and be reluctant to flower
In a nutshell…
| Size | 1 to 1.2m tall * 50cm spread |
| Colours | Violet blue, white, lilac |
| Conditions | Moist but well drained |
| Sun or shade | Sun or partial shade |
| Propagation | By seed or by division |
| Flowers | May or June |
| Acid or Alkaline | All |
* Some crosses as Aulden Farm in Herefordshire, which houses a National Collection of Iris Sibirica, were kind enough to give us some of their seeds to try.