Overview
Iris sibirica 'Blue King' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall and 0.3 m wide. Iris sibirica 'Blue King' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and water gardens. It is native to Europe and Central Asia.
About
Iris sibirica, commonly known as Siberian iris or Siberian flag, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae. It is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, from Europe and Central Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris sibirica
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris sibirica 'Blue King' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Spread
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cut flowers, Water gardens
- Native to
- Europe, Central Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris sibirica 'Blue King'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks; cut back foliage in late autumn
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Iris sibirica 'Blue King'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Where is the best place to plant Iris sibirica 'Blue King'?
Iris sibirica 'Blue King' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Iris sibirica 'Blue King' need?
Iris sibirica 'Blue King' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Iris sibirica 'Blue King'?
Remove spent flower stalks; cut back foliage in late autumn.
How big does Iris sibirica 'Blue King' grow?
Iris sibirica 'Blue King' reaches a height of 0.6 m and a spread of 0.3 m.
Is Iris sibirica 'Blue King' hardy in the UK?
Iris sibirica 'Blue King' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Iris sibirica 'Blue King'?
Division of rhizomes in spring or autumn.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)
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