Iris 'Sibtosa Princess' (SpH) — Clump forming

Overview

Iris 'Sibtosa Princess' (SpH) is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Iris 'Sibtosa Princess' (SpH) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Iris 'Sibtosa Princess' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Iridaceae that flowers from May to July. It forms deciduous clumps and is best placed in full sun on a neutral, well-drained loam in a sheltered situation. Suitable for south-, east- or west-facing sites, it carries the H6 rating, meaning it is very hardy across most of the UK. Use it in containers, courtyard settings, borders and for cutting.

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 'Sibtosa Princess' belongs to the Iridaceae and performs as a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with deciduous foliage. Blooming runs from May to July, providing a clear mid-to-late spring into summer display. The plant's growth habit makes it appropriate where a discrete perennial clump is required rather than a sprawling ground cover. Plant in full sun on a neutral, well-drained loam and choose a sheltered aspect—south-, east- or west-facing positions are all suitable. The H6 hardiness rating indicates it is very hardy in most UK gardens, so it tolerates typical seasonal cold. Avoid persistently waterlogged ground and position where roots will not sit in winter wet; a freely draining loam helps preserve crowns through colder months. Iris 'Sibtosa Princess' suits city and courtyard gardens, patio containers, cottage and informal borders and beds, and is useful for cut flowers. In containers give it a sunny, sheltered spot to replicate border conditions. Expect flowering from May to July and plan plantings so stems are available at that time for cutting to bring indoors.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Iris 'Sibtosa Princess' (SpH) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds