Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope' (Siberian iris ‘Shirley Pope’) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope' 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 'Shirley Pope' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden and cut flowers. 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 'Shirley Pope' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.6 m
Spread: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Cut flowers
Native to: Europe, Central Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope'

Propagation: Division, Seed
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Thrips
Disease resistance: Aphid-borne viruses, Bacterial soft rot, Grey moulds

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope'?

Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope' need?

Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.

How big does Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope' grow?

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

Is Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope' hardy in the UK?

Iris sibirica 'Shirley Pope' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.