Siberian Iris
A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Siberian Iris
Although there are approximately 200 unique species of Iris, the Siberian Iris is considered one of the more popular. This type of plant is a perennial, which means it is planted just once and then each year if cared for properly, the plant continues to bloom. Because of this, the Siberian Iris is a perfect choice for both outdoors and indoors growing. This particular species along with the Bearded Iris are a great choice for people just starting learning to grow this Iris because it is easy to plant and grow. Additionally, the Siberian Iris seldom experiences problems with disease and/or pests.
The flowers of the Siberian Iris are comprised of six segments, three upright and three petal-like. For the three upright segments, these are the actual petals, which are also called “standards” whereas the other segments are sepals or “falls” that look like petals. When comparing the Siberian Iris to the Bearded Iris and other great species, the flowers of the Siberian species are smaller and more delicate. Additionally, the Siberian species does not have fuzzy growths as seen with the Bearded Iris species.
Keep in mind that within the Siberian Iris family are several varieties. With this, you could choose a plant that produces flowers of varying colors to include pink, yellow, blue, red, purple, and white, which enhances any outdoor or indoor space. These beautiful flowers blossom during the latter part of May or June, positioned on top of the tall stems, again making a flowerbed or garden outdoors or a container indoors stunning.
Even the foliage of Siberian Iris plants is beautiful. For one thing, the foliage is typically only one-half inch wide and it stands upright, which resembles grass. During the spring and summer, foliage is green but then in the fall, it changes to nice color of yellow or an orange/brown. At maturity, this particular species of Iris will grow anywhere from 12 to 40 inches tall, depending on the exact variety.
To grow strong and healthy Siberian Iris plants, the soil needs to be fertile, moist, and well-drained. This type of plant will not survive if planted in poor or dry soil. In addition, this Iris is versatile regarding light in that it does well in both full sunlight and partial shade. The goal is to choose a location where the Siberian Iris would do best and then plant the iris during spring months all the way through late summer. Be sure plants have between 18 and 24 inches apart from other plants for the best growth.
If you plan to grow a Siberian Iris plant indoors using a container, it could be planted anytime during the year as long as it is during the plant’s growing season. If preferred, a single Iris could be planted or for a more dramatic look, you could put three, four, or even five plants together. By grouping the Siberian Iris, you have a more vibrantly colored focal point although the single plant is also gorgeous.
For watering, it is recommended that the Siberian Iris be watered once a week during the summer when temperatures are hotter and the climate dryer. Although the Iris prefers moist soil, it is essential that you provide scheduled watering throughout the first year of growing to ensure the roots become strong and have a better chance of establishing in the soil. The Siberian Iris will begin producing amazing blooms in the third or fourth year after planting but it is rare for blossoms to appear in the first and even second year.
Finally, the Siberian Iris should be provided fertilizer each year in the early spring months, preferably a 10-10-10 blend and then again every time blooms appear. This plant also needs mulch, which would consist of a three-inch layer being placed in a mound around the base. Other than that, you would have little to worry about since the Siberian Iris seldom is a strong and hardy plant.