Iris sibirica 'Caesar' (Siberian iris) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Iris sibirica 'Caesar' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall and 0.3 m wide. Iris sibirica 'Caesar' grows best in full sun; some tolerate partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7.

About

Iris sibirica 'Caesar' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Iridaceae grown for its grass-like, sword-shaped leaves. The foliage is often glaucous and may be deciduous or evergreen. Plants reach about 0.6 m high with a spread of roughly 0.3 m and carry flowering stems in May to July. It suits a sunny or partially shaded site with reliably moist soil.

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

In the garden

Iris sibirica 'Caesar' is an upright, clump-forming perennial of the iris family that forms narrow, grassy leaves and flowering stems to around 0.6 m. The leaves are typically sword-shaped and often have a glaucous bloom; the habit produces a neat clump about 0.3 m across. It flowers in the UK from May to July. Place this iris in full sun where possible, although it will tolerate some partial shade; a south- or west-facing aspect is ideal. Choose a loam, chalk or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. While the general guidance for irises calls for good drainage, Siberian types prefer soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged, so keep root-run consistently moist. Exposed or sheltered positions are both acceptable. It is winter-hardy across most of the UK (H5–H7) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–9. At about 0.6 m tall with a 0.3 m spread, plant Iris sibirica 'Caesar' in drifts within mixed perennial borders or as a middle-row specimen where the vertical flower stems can be seen above lower neighbours. Expect flowers on upright stems from May to July that sit prominently above the foliage.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun; some tolerate partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; Siberian and Japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Iris sibirica 'Caesar' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous
Height: 0.6 m
Spread: 0.3 m

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris sibirica 'Caesar'

Cultivation: Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.
Propagation: Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.
Pest resistance: Generally trouble-free, though iris sawfly and slugs damage foliage and thrips can disfigure buds.
Disease resistance: Prone to leaf spot, and to rhizome rot wherever drainage is poor or planting too deep.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Iris sibirica 'Caesar'?

Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Iris sibirica 'Caesar'?

Iris sibirica 'Caesar' prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris sibirica 'Caesar' need?

Iris sibirica 'Caesar' grows best in loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; siberian and japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil.

How do I prune Iris sibirica 'Caesar'?

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.

How big does Iris sibirica 'Caesar' grow?

Iris sibirica 'Caesar' reaches a height of 0.6 m and a spread of 0.3 m.

Is Iris sibirica 'Caesar' hardy in the UK?

Iris sibirica 'Caesar' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Iris sibirica 'Caesar'?

Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →