Sibirica Iris Care Notes

IRIS sibirica

The Siberian iris is native to Turkey where it grows in swampy ground. In cultivation it is an amenable plant. It is unfussy as to soil and will grow in anything from the heaviest clay to the lightest sandy soil (once established) Happy in full sun, they also thrives in part shade. After planting Siberian Irises needs no special care, being disease free and untroubled by pests.

Siberian Irises are particularly suitable for use in London gardens, where the heavy soil and frequently shady conditions preclude the use of Bearded Irises. Their architectural clumps of foliage give substance to any herbaceous border. They look particularly handsome planted with Ligularias, Hostas, Brunneras, Phlox, Euphorbia Fireglow, Lythrums, Filipendula, Eupatoriums, Rheums….. Don’t chop down the dead flowering stems in August.  Iris sibirica seed heads look good well into the winter.

Siberian irises make large clumps of architectural foliage and should be allowed a spread of at least 60cm. They flower in June-July. Iris sibiricas are easy plants untroubled by pests and disease. They are deer and rabbit proof and salt tolerant.

By Gillian Morris