Siberian Iris ,SKY WINGS ('Bareroot) Perennial

Best grouped in sunny areas of ponds or water gardens. Also may be grown in moist border areas.Mixes well with other perennials in borders. Also effective when planted along a slope or hillside, along a path or along a stream or pond margin. A good moisture-loving plant for moist garden areas. Massed plantings and well-placed specimens can enhance almost any setting, and the foliage provides lasting beauty after bloom. Excellent cut flower, but usually lasts only two days.

Plants in the Siberian iris group are chiefly of hybrid origin, primarily being derived from two blue-flowered Asian species, namely, I. sibirica (central Europe to northeastern Turkey and southeastern Russia) and I. sanguinea (Russia, Korea and Japan). Arching, narrow, grass-like, linear, blue-green leaves form a vase-shaped foliage clump to 2’ tall. Flowering stems rise above the foliage to 3’ tall in May-June, each stem bearing 2-5 flowers in colors which primarily include blue, lavender, purple and white, but sometimes yellow, pink and wine. Each flower features upright standards and flaring to drooping falls. In comparison to bearded varieties, Siberian irises have smaller beardless flowers, narrower grass-like leaves and an absence of thick fleshy rhizomes. After bloom, the foliage clump will retain its blue-green color into the fall, often displaying showy leaves reminiscent of some ornamental grasses.

Planting & Growing

 Siberian Iris will grow to be about 22 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.