Siberian iris have no beards and typical bloom in New England begins in late May or June. They have smooth, thin, grass-like leaves without the distinct rib that runs lengthwise down the middle of Japanese iris leaves. Siberian iris shine in the perennial border and they are a low maintenance iris. Siberian iris are the graceful, slender-leaved beardless irises. Originally from the damp meadows of Europe and Asia, Siberian iris are easily naturalized along streams and in boggy areas, among shrubbery and in fields. Siberian iris typical bloom in New England begins in late May or June. They have smooth, thin, grass-like leaves without the distinct rib that runs lengthwise down the middle of Japanese iris leaves. Siberian iris shine in the perennial border and they are a low maintenance iris.
WHEN TO PLANT: Siberian irises can be transplanted any time the ground is not frozen, but the best time in New England is early spring. It is most important that they must never be allowed to dry out before and after being planted until roots are established.
LOCATION: Plant them where they will get at least a half day of sun, but full sun is best. More sun yields more bloom and dense shade may result in little or no bloom.
LOCATION: Plant them where they will get at least a half day of sun, but full sun is best. More sun yields more bloom and dense shade may result in little or no bloom.
HOW TO PLANT: Plant the tops of the rhizomes about one to two inches below the soil surface in moist but not soggy wet soil. In the hole dug for the iris, press a firm mound of soil. Spread the iris roots over the mound and press soil firmly to remove air pockets. Leave a depression around the plant to collect water. Newly planted Siberians must not be allowed to dry out! Keep well watered until they are thoroughly established.
SOIL: Siberian irises will grow well in any good garden loam although they do prefer a pH slightly on the acid side. This can be accomplished by adding peat pine needles, ammonium sulfate or sulfur to the soil. Although they like to be well watered, they will not grow in water.
FEEDING: A little 5-10-5 fertilizer added as a side dressing or a liquid feeding of Miracid around the plants in early spring will be helpful. DO NOT use lime around Siberian irises. The species prefer an acid soil. Use of lime may cause your Siberian irises to decline rather rapidly.
SOIL: Siberian irises will grow well in any good garden loam although they do prefer a pH slightly on the acid side. This can be accomplished by adding peat pine needles, ammonium sulfate or sulfur to the soil. Although they like to be well watered, they will not grow in water.
FEEDING: A little 5-10-5 fertilizer added as a side dressing or a liquid feeding of Miracid around the plants in early spring will be helpful. DO NOT use lime around Siberian irises. The species prefer an acid soil. Use of lime may cause your Siberian irises to decline rather rapidly.
CARE: A mulch of hay, wood chips or pine needles can be used around plants to control weeds without the risk of rot and help retain moisture. Once established, Siberian irises are one of the easiest perennials to grown, and give years of beauty without transplanting. They suffer almost no disease problems, but iris borer can be a problem in areas where they are found. A systemic insecticide carefully sprayed on the plants when they are about 6 inches tall and repeated again at 10 inches will stop the borers. It is a good idea to cover the plants with marsh hay for the first winter in colder areas to avoid heaving of the plants.