Always a popular favorite, Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope' (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial with wonderfully dark, velvety flowers in late spring to early summer. Each blossom features large, flared, deep violet-blue petals adorned with a prominent white signal veined with purple at the base of each fall. They open up from large buds, almost as beautiful as the flowers. After blooming, the grass-like foliage, consisting of sturdy clumps of upright blue-green, narrow and fairly rigid, blade-shaped leaves, is also one of its most attractive garden features. Unlike some other varieties, the foliage stands up straight and is not as prone to the stems collapsing and requiring propping. Spectacular when planted in groups.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities.
- Grows up to 24-30 in. tall (60-75 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
- Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, medium to wet soils. Shade is tolerated, but the flowering performance may be altered. While this lovely iris enjoys a wide range of soils, slightly acidic soil is where this plant will thrive. Drought tolerant, even though this iris prefers adequate moisture.
- Among the most trouble-free and low maintenance plants in the garden, Siberian Irises are deer resistant.
- A welcomed addition to beds and borders or near streams or ponds, where it provides excellent color contrast.
- The best time to plant Siberian Irises is spring or late summer.
- Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early fall
- Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
