Siberian Iris Cultivation
Siberian Iris, scientific name Iris sibirica, is a flowering perennial that grows to be between 1 to 3 feet tall, producing slender, grass-like foliage and beardless flowers that are purple, pink or white depending on the cultivar. Siberian iris is a robust, deep-rooted plant that will thrive if its basic care requirements are met. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cultivars
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Numerous Siberian iris cultivars are available commercially in the nursery trade. Cultivars include Pink Haze, a 2- to 3-foot variety that offers pinkish lavender flowers, Gulls Wing, a 3- to 4-foot variety with white, slightly ruffled flowers, and Super Ego, a 2- to 3-foot cultivar with dark purple flowers. Lower growing types include Little White, a 12- to 15-inch white flowered cultivar, and the 2-foot-tall Blue Burgee.
Location
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Siberian iris hails from northern Asia, as well as eastern and central Europe. The plant is a suitable landscape plant for USDA zones 3 to 9, where it will grow in either full sunlight or partial shade. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and will grow in well-draining soils as well as wet, waterlogged soils. Propagate Siberian iris in the spring by dividing the roots.
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Maintenance
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Mulch the soil with a thin layer of organic matter in order to maintain soil temperature, prevent weeds and retain moisture. Cut the plant back to about 6 inches in the autumn, when the plant begins to yellow and die back. Divide in mid- to late summer to maintain plant vigor, or once the plant bed becomes matted. Siberian iris does not transplant well.
Problems
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Siberian iris is a dependable garden plant that is rarely bothered by serious diseases or pests. The plant is less susceptible to pests than many other iris species, though thrips may become a problem. Thrips are sucking insects that can cause plant dieback and silvery white necrotic streaks on the plant's foliage. Thrips may be treated by using an insecticide, or by deadheading spent flowers, which attract the pest.
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References
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