June breezes
waft through our Wisconsin gardens, and our eyes are drawn to spiky foliage
dancing gracefully. Near the top of this
plant is an array of blue-violet blooms, each blossom supported on its own
sturdy stem. Although there are numerous
varieties within the Iris genus, this particular species
(sibirica) consistently stands tall in the garden… and it dances! Movement in the garden is an essential design
element that is sometimes overlooked.
Fit, form and function are necessary in any creative landscape design, but
movement
makes a beautiful landscape come alive.
While German
bearded iris will flounder in strong winds (and often their stems will crimp or
bend), Iris sibirica stands tall and
continues dancing. A windy day?
No problem for Iris sibirica! Rabbits or excessive rain? Again, no problem.
Originally from
Europe and Asia, Iris sibirica
thrives here in Wisconsin. Often
called Siberian iris or Siberian flag, this is an adaptable plant which handles
clay-based soils, and even soggy soils found in rain gardens. It has resistance to the insect, iris borer,
and is rabbit resistant. Sun to part
shade works well, and it thrives in USDA Zones 3 to 8. Foliage and flowers generally exceed three
feet in height, and this plant spreads in a tidy manner.
My personal
preference is to remove most blooms that have faded, but leave a few on the
plant to form those amazing green seed pods. Last year I allowed some pods to remain on
the plant until they turned brown and dry; recently I planted seeds harvested
from those pods. These seedlings are now
one inch tall and resemble tiny blades of grass. It will likely be a few years before they
are mature enough to produce blooms, but this blue-violet beauty is worth the
wait!
Bonus: Iris
sibirica can be included in a butterfly garden or rain garden.
M. Lynn
Schmid, Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
