Siberian Flag is beautifully blue. And graceful. And... . There is a long list of outstanding characteristics in the catalogue which illustrate this particular perennial. Two of them deserve special attention, though: reliable and eternal. If we want to understand the essential meaning of the word 'perennial', Iris sibirica satisfies all possible questions and doubts we might harbour. It is an everlasting plant whose elegant flowers appear every late spring adorning gardens with hopeful blues and purples that are so hard to match. Only delphiniums might consider competing with these irises but instead, they only prove to be a perfect complement to Siberian Flag: a vertical one, whereas Iris sibirica expands its blue clouds rather horizontally. What a lucky -and geometric- coincidence they bloom at the same time.
How come it is so flawless? As a matter of fact, it is not. It blooms a little bit too early in the season. If its wonderful cerulean flowers opened a few weeks later, the contrast with the other colours of summertime palette would be just extraordinary. Well, they do not and will not, as Iris sibirica is a late-spring flowering plant. However, the grassy leaves stay ornamental all the time and in the fall they always prepare a nice surprise: the sap green of the narrow and erect blades turns yellow and orange. And again, it is really hard not to stare at them in bewilderment.
Siberian Flag grows well planted in full sun, although it grows quite well in part shade. But do not count on abundant flowering then. The plant reliability depends on its modest requirement if it comes to soil: sand, chalk, clay or loam, they do not matter very much providing the roots get plenty of water during growing season. That is why it is better to opt for a good garden soil or enrich the growing site with well- rotted natural manure where the soil contains a lot of sand. Iris sibirica shows a natural affinity for water and looks great planted near ponds, streams or other water bodies, but the roots should not stay directly in water as such a situation might pretty soon question or even terminate the advertised eternal growth of Siberian Flag.
Iris sibirica forms dense clumps of leaves reaching 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) high. The clumps spread up to 1m (3 ft). Newly planted irises do not produce many flowers but well-established ones give a real show every season. But after a few years, when we can observe a hollow centre appear, it is a sign for us to divide the clumps. It should be done in late August or very early in the spring when the new leaves start to emerge.
As I wrote before, Siberian Flag is mainly appreciated for the the various tones and shades of the blue and purple colours. However, the pure white and yellow cultivars are also worth considering. You can try them out mixed with the blue ones and add some red, pink or yellow roses to create a unique garden landscape. And when the flowers are gone, switch your attention to handsome leaves and wait until they turn yellow. The next switch is only a few months ahead .
Siberian Flag grows well planted in full sun, although it grows quite well in part shade. But do not count on abundant flowering then. The plant reliability depends on its modest requirement if it comes to soil: sand, chalk, clay or loam, they do not matter very much providing the roots get plenty of water during growing season. That is why it is better to opt for a good garden soil or enrich the growing site with well- rotted natural manure where the soil contains a lot of sand. Iris sibirica shows a natural affinity for water and looks great planted near ponds, streams or other water bodies, but the roots should not stay directly in water as such a situation might pretty soon question or even terminate the advertised eternal growth of Siberian Flag.
Iris sibirica forms dense clumps of leaves reaching 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) high. The clumps spread up to 1m (3 ft). Newly planted irises do not produce many flowers but well-established ones give a real show every season. But after a few years, when we can observe a hollow centre appear, it is a sign for us to divide the clumps. It should be done in late August or very early in the spring when the new leaves start to emerge.
As I wrote before, Siberian Flag is mainly appreciated for the the various tones and shades of the blue and purple colours. However, the pure white and yellow cultivars are also worth considering. You can try them out mixed with the blue ones and add some red, pink or yellow roses to create a unique garden landscape. And when the flowers are gone, switch your attention to handsome leaves and wait until they turn yellow. The next switch is only a few months ahead .
Jarek
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