Iris sib. 'Papillion' — perennial

Overview

Iris sib. 'Papillion' is a perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family. Iris sib. 'Papillion' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cut flowers.

About

Iris sib. 'Papillion' is a named selection within the Iris genus that carries the sib. group designation in its botanical name. It flowers from May to July, producing the typical iris bloom structure valued in perennial planting. Plants are grown for their summer display and respond to routine attention to flowering stems. When purchasing, confirm the cultivar name to ensure you receive 'Papillion'.

About the genus

Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and for once the naming feels entirely earned. I can't think of another genus that covers so much ground — inky purples, burnt apricots, clean whites, blues that seem lit from inside — or so many situations. There are bearded irises that want their rhizomes baked in full sun, Siberian types happy in ordinary border soil, and species that will sit contentedly at the edge of a pond. What they share is the flower: three petals standing up, three falling away, built with a kind of architectural confidence most plants never attempt. Even out of bloom the foliage earns its place — those upright fans of blue-green leaves hold a border together for months. I grow them for the fortnight in May and June when nothing else in the garden can compete, and I've made my peace with that. Some plants are for the long haul. An iris is an event.

Written by Henry

In the garden

Iris sib. 'Papillion' belongs to the Iris genus and is offered under the sib. group style of botanical naming. Its recorded flowering window is May to July, making it a contributor to late spring and early summer colour in the garden. The blooms show the form familiar in irises, with upright and reflexed floral segments that are best judged in flower by their structure rather than by assumed colour or size. Treat 'Papillion' as you would other named iris cultivars when it comes to siting and season-long care: give individual plants room to form a clump, remove spent flower stalks to tidy the display and reduce seed set, and divide overcrowded clumps when flowering vigour declines. Specific soil, aspect and cold-tolerance details vary between cultivars, so follow supplier guidance for the original stock you purchase. In the UK garden, use the cultivar where a mid-late spring to summer iris sequence is wanted—this might be within a perennial border or alongside other herbaceous perennials that flower earlier or later. Always check the plant label for the cultivar name 'Papillion' at purchase to preserve the specific selection in your planting scheme.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moderate
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Iris sib. 'Papillion' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris sib. 'Papillion'

Cultivation: Plant rhizomes in well-drained soil in spring or autumn. Avoid waterlogging. Provide full sun to partial shade.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stems after blooming to encourage new growth.
Propagation: Division of rhizomes in late summer or early autumn.