Ewen
Isabelle
Strawberry Fair
Siberian Iris (SIB)
, as their name suggests, need cold and wet conditions to perform well. Siberians are a hardy beardless iris growing from 2 to 4 feet in height. They bloom at the end of the Tall Bearded season. The blooms are mostly blue, violet and white with large falls and smaller standards, although shades of yellows, orange and pink are being to be introduced by hybridizers. They are very effective in naturalized settings and perennial borders and are most attractive in established clumps. Siberians perform best in full sun. They can tolerate less, but understand that bloom and vigor will be reduced when grown in less than full sun. Good drainage is critical. Siberians like year round moisture, but not soggy conditions. They should be kept moist during spring. A light fertilizing in the spring and again after bloom encourages strong growth and good bloom.
Newly purchased or received Siberian rhizome clumps should be soaked in water for several hours before planting. When planting, cover the rhizomes with 2-3 inches of soil, spacing plants about 2 feet apart. Siberians like acidic soil, which may be enhanced with peat moss, compost or other humus. New plants need to be kept well watered until established.
When the foliage dies back in the fall it should be cut off close to the ground and removed from the garden. Siberians need 2 to 3 years to become fully established; the first year's bloom is not representative of future performance.
