Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) EYE-riss sih-BEER-ih-kah Genus:  Iris

Attractive, grass-like leaves to 18 inches long are topped by showy flowers in a wide range of colors. Flowers unfurl in May and bloom well into June. Cultivars include ‘Caesar’s Brother’, with rich purple flowers; ‘Eric the Red’, a bright violet-pink Siberian; and ‘Chilled Wine’, a garnet iris suffused with blue.

Care: 

Thrives in acidic, heavy, clay soils, and loves wet feet. Low maintenance, requiring only feeding and division every few years. Ideal for ponds, streams, or boggy areas. In beds, they require a few extra waterings in a season.

Propagation: 

Lift and divide clumps, or separate bulb offsets, and plant immediately, in early autumn.

Problems: 

Iris borer, verbena bud moth, whiteflies, iris weevil, thrips, slugs and snails, aphids, and nematodes. Bacterial leaf blight and soft rot, crown rot, rhizome rot, leaf spot, rust, viruses, and scorch.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Slow Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium to Wet Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer Flower Color Blue, Pink, Purple Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Waterside Style Water Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Perennials