Best Siberian Irises (Iris sibirica) For Your Garden

Iris sibirica, Siberian Flag

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What is Siberian Iris?

Siberian irises (Iris sibirica) are graceful and robust perennials prized for their elegant and exquisite flowers and attractive, grass-like foliage.

Habit: With a habit that stands upright and rigid, they can reach around 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) in height and spread 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) wide, bringing a natural elegance and vertical interest to the garden.
Hardiness: Their hardiness is another advantage, with most varieties being hardy in USDA zones 3-8, allowing gardeners in a wide range of climates to enjoy their beauty. Siberian irises are quite adaptable, tolerating both drought conditions and waterlogged soils once established, thus proving their versatility.
Flowers: The flowers of the Siberian iris are its main attraction. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the flowers feature intricate detailing and are usually around 2 inches (5 cm) wide. While the traditional color is a deep, rich purple, Siberian irises are now available in a plethora of colors, including pink, blue, yellow, white, and bicolor. Their striking flowers appear on long, slender stems and are ideal for cutting and displaying indoors.
Foliage: Though the flowering display is short-lived, their handsome foliage of long, dark green, swordlike leaves is attractive most of the year and adds structure to the perennial border. Remaining fresh-looking all season, it develops a nice golden fall color, which turns a rusty red-brown with the first frost.
Uses: Siberian irises have a wide array of uses in the garden. Due to their hardiness and adaptability, they’re excellent choices for water gardens, wet areas, or near a pond where their roots can access moisture. They’re also perfect for border plantings, naturalistic gardens, and meadows due to their vertical habit and minimal care requirements.
Benefits: The benefits of growing Siberian irises extend beyond their aesthetic appeal. They’re deer and rabbit resistant, making them a wise choice for areas where these animals are common. The flowers also attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding an additional layer of wildlife interest to your garden.

All these characteristics make Siberian irises a remarkable addition to any garden, providing a splash of color, architectural height, and a lure for fascinating wildlife. Their combination of beauty, resilience, and low maintenance makes them a favorite among novice and seasoned gardeners alike.

The choice of available Siberian Iris cultivars varies from country to country. Still, a few of these beauties have won the prestigious Morgan Award, the highest award reserved exclusively for Siberian Irises within the American Iris Society.

Guide Information

Hardiness	3 - 8
Heat Zones	1 - 9
Climate Zones	1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type	Perennials
Genus	Iris siberica
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics	Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance	Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil, Wet Soil

Award-Winning Siberian Irises

Iris sibirica ‘Blueberry Fair’ (Siberian Iris)

With its captivating presence, Iris sibirica ‘Blueberry Fair’ (Siberian Iris) graces the garden with rich blue, heavily ruffled flowers adorned with a white signal. Blooming from late spring to early summer, the vibrant blossoms rise on sturdy stems above the upright, blue-green foliage, creating an enchanting display that lasts all season.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Iris sibirica ‘Butter and Sugar’ (Siberian Iris)

Iris sibirica ‘Butter and Sugar’ is a standout among Siberian Irises, showcasing white standards and vibrant yellow falls that bring life to the garden from late spring to early summer. The flower stalks produce numerous delicate blossoms. Beyond the blooms, the grass-like foliage forms sturdy clumps of upright green, narrow, blade-shaped leaves, adding to its overall appeal.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’ (Siberian Iris)

Creating a captivating display, Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’ (Siberian Iris) showcases deep, velvety violet flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The sturdy flower stalks bear multiple delicate blossoms, rising gracefully above the upright, grassy foliage. With its lasting beauty, this stunning iris adds drama and vertical interest when planted in clusters.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Iris sibirica ‘Fond Kiss’ (Siberian Iris)

Exuding exquisite beauty, Iris sibirica ‘Fond Kiss’ (Siberian Iris) showcases elegant ivory white flowers with a delicate pink flush at the base of each fall. This midseason iris produces three buds that open gradually in late spring to early summer. The sturdy clumps of upright, gray-green foliage enhance its charm, making it a captivating choice for group plantings.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Iris sibirica ‘Over in Gloryland’ (Siberian Iris)

Bringing captivating drama to the garden, Iris sibirica ‘Over in Gloryland’ (Siberian Iris) showcases striking deep blue flowers with ruffled petals and a prominent yellow signal. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the robust flower stalks elevate the blossoms above the foliage. The blue-green leaves maintain their fresh appearance throughout the season, adding to the overall allure of this perennial.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Iris sibirica ‘Ruffled Velvet’ (Siberian Iris)

An enchanting gem in the garden, Iris sibirica ‘Ruffled Velvet’ (Siberian Iris) showcases exquisite late spring to early summer flowers. The blossoms display amethyst standards and ruffled, deeper purple falls with delicate yellow veins at the base. The sturdy, grass-like foliage adds to its allure. Planting this iris in groups creates a truly spectacular display.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Iris sibirica ‘Silver Edge’ (Siberian Iris)

A beloved choice for gardeners, Iris sibirica ‘Silver Edge’ (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial with captivating sky-blue flowers highlighted by a striking silver edge. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the blossoms exhibit intricate yellow and white veining at the base of each fall. The sturdy, grass-like foliage, composed of upright blue-green leaves, adds to its allure.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Iris sibirica ‘Strawberry Fair’ (Siberian Iris)

Creating a captivating display, Iris sibirica ‘Strawberry Fair’ (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial with intricately ruffled lavender-pink standards and magenta-pink falls enhanced by a blue-edged white signal. Blooming in early to mid-summer, it stands out with sturdy flower stalks above the grass-like foliage of upright blue-green leaves, adding allure to any garden.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Iris sibirica ‘Super Ego’ (Siberian Iris)

Bringing elegance to the garden, Iris sibirica ‘Super Ego’ (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial featuring enchanting pale blue flowers with contrasting violet-blue falls. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the exquisite blossoms stand tall above the upright, blue-green grass-like foliage, adding beauty and charm to any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ (Siberian Iris)

Admired for its pristine white blooms, Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial that enchants in the late spring to early summer garden. Its rounded, ruffled flowers display an exquisite ivory-white shade with a subtle golden flush at the base. Standing tall above the foliage, this iris creates a captivating scene when planted in groups.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Planting Siberian Irises

Siberian irises, with their slender, graceful foliage and elegant flowers, can be a delight in any garden. Here are the steps to successfully plant Siberian irises:

Choose a Site: Siberian irises prefer a sunny location, but they can tolerate partial shade. They grow well in most soils but thrive in slightly acidic, rich soil. Choose a location where they will have room to spread as they multiply over time.
Prepare the Soil: The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, amend it with compost or peat moss to improve its texture and fertility.
Planting Time: The best time to plant Siberian irises is in the early fall or spring. Fall planting allows the roots to establish before winter, while spring planting should be done as early as possible.
Planting Process: Dig a hole wider and deeper than the root system of your iris. Place the iris in the hole with the roots spread out and the crown at or slightly below ground level. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly.
Watering: Siberian irises need regular watering, especially during the first growing season. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant but will perform best with consistent moisture.
Mulching: Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants, but avoid covering the crowns.

With proper care, Siberian irises will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year. Enjoy their graceful beauty!

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

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Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success

Irises for the Water Garden

Top Rated Bearded Irises For Your Garden

Garden Examples

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.