Iris sibirica 'Papillon' (Siberian iris 'Papillon') — Clump-forming

Overview

Iris sibirica 'Papillon' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris sibirica 'Papillon' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

About

Iris sibirica 'Papillon' is a clump-forming Siberian iris grown for its summer display of violet-blue to white blooms. It carries narrow, sword-shaped leaves that form neat fans beneath the flowering stems. Flowering in the UK runs from May to July. The plant is fully hardy and suits well-drained neutral loam in a south-facing, sheltered spot.

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 'Papillon' belongs to the Iridaceae and is a clump-forming perennial long cultivated in temperate gardens; the species originates from parts of Europe and central Asia. This cultivar produces its flowering stems above a basal fan of sword-shaped leaves, bringing colour into borders in late spring and early summer. Flowering in the UK is from May to July. Give 'Papillon' a sunny, south-facing site in a sheltered position to protect the flower stems from strong winds. It prefers a neutral loam that drains freely; heavy, waterlogged ground will reduce flowering and may weaken the clump. The plant is fully hardy to UK H7, so it tolerates winter cold in exposed gardens provided soil drainage is reliable. Place Iris sibirica 'Papillon' towards the middle or rear of a mixed border where its upright stems can be seen, or use it in a rock garden or a suitably large container with a well-draining compost. Its flowering stems rise above the foliage, making the blooms readily visible between May and July and allowing simple placement beside lower-growing plants without obscuring them.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Iris sibirica 'Papillon' size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Sword-shaped
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, containers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris sibirica 'Papillon'

Propagation: Division, seed
Pest resistance: High
Disease resistance: High

Frequently asked questions

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

Iris sibirica 'Papillon' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris sibirica 'Papillon' need?

Iris sibirica 'Papillon' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Iris sibirica 'Papillon' hardy in the UK?

Iris sibirica 'Papillon' 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 'Papillon'?

Division, seed.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →

Last updated 15 May 2026