Iris sibirica 'Persimmon' (Siberian Iris) — Clump-forming

Overview

Iris sibirica 'Persimmon' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall and 0.3 m wide. Iris sibirica 'Persimmon' 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. It is native to Europe and Western Asia.

About

Iris sibirica 'Persimmon' is a clump-forming iris in the Iridaceae with sword-shaped leaves. It prefers a south-facing, sheltered spot planted into neutral loam with good drainage. Flowering takes place from May to July. Suitable uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.

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 'Persimmon' sits within the genus Iris and family Iridaceae and produces compact clumps defined by sword-shaped leaves. Planting it in a south-facing, sheltered situation helps the clump hold its form and encourages flowering during its May to July season. Place plants where they will receive full sun and dig in a loam-based soil adjusted to neutral pH so roots sit in a free-draining but moisture-retentive medium. A sheltered aspect reduces exposure to drying winds that can roughen the foliage; the cultivar is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy through UK winters when given these site conditions. Containers need the same soil type and a protected position against prevailing wind; ensure pots have reliable drainage. Iris sibirica 'Persimmon' is practical at the front to middle of a border, in gravel or rock garden pockets where neutral loam is present, and in containers on a sunny terrace. The sword-shaped leaves provide upright structure outside the flowering months, and the plant’s flowering period from May to July gives a distinct seasonal window for colour in south-facing, sheltered plantings.

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 'Persimmon' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming
Foliage: Sword-shaped
Height: 0.6 m
Spread: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, containers
Native to: Europe, Western Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris sibirica 'Persimmon'

Cultivation: Plant rhizomes in spring or autumn, spacing 30-45 cm apart. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Mulch in winter to protect roots.
Pruning: Cut back foliage to ground level after flowering or in late autumn to tidy the plant and reduce disease risk.
Propagation: Division, seed
Pest resistance: High
Disease resistance: High

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Iris sibirica 'Persimmon'?

Plant rhizomes in spring or autumn, spacing 30-45 cm apart. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Mulch in winter to protect roots.