Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: Late spring to early summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 60cm
Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Iridaceae
Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with an erect clump forming habit. Its grey/ green leaves are lanceolate with entire margins and gradually narrowing to a point, up to 80cm long and 4cm broad at their base. Its white hermaphrodite flowers are up to 7cm across, emerge from a branched stem which emerges from the base of the leaf cluster. Its fruit is a loculicidal capsule and up to 4cm long. Its roots are below ground rhizomes which allow this plant to steadily spread.
Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ Flower (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
The species Iris sibirica, commonly known as the Siberian Iris or Siberian Flag, is native to Russia, east and central Europe and north east Turkey. In its native habitat it grows in damp woodlands and damp meadows.
The etymological root of the binomial name Iris is derived from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species.
The landscape architect may find Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ useful as an attractive herbaceous perennial with white. It is suitable for planting in damp locations including boggy ground and stream margins.
Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ Leaf (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ is attractive to bees and pollinating insects.
Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate wet soils.
Iris sibirica ‘White Swirl’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in autumn.
