Iris Siva Siva - Tall Bearded Iris

Iris 'Siva Siva' is an old variety of Grand Garden Iris which is bright and colourful, always making a big impact in spring flower beds. Its flowers are speckled with gold, copper, mahogany brown, and red, with a beautiful white zone, like a spotlight, in the centre of the sepals. The centre of each corolla has a yellow-orange beard. This variety pairs particularly well with white or red flowering snapdragons, in the garden and in a vase.

Iris 'Siva Siva' is a rhizomatous perennial that forms upright clumps of deciduous foliage. This plant belongs to the Iridaceae family and is one of the many cultivars obtained over the centuries, with its controversial origin debated around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. It is worth noting that these Irises have European origins.

Iris 'Siva Siva' is a tall variety, reaching a height of 90 cm (35in) when in flower. Each rhizome produces branched stems with numerous flower buds. The clump will spread very quickly, with no theoretical limit over time, as the central rhizomes become bare in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long sword-shaped, glaucous green leaves, with strong veins. Floral stems appear in April and flower in May, in the middle of the peak season for tall irises, blooming from the top to the lower branches.The colour is enhanced by the silky texture of the petals and sepals.

Created by James Gibson in 1961 - Award: Honorable Mention in 1963

To accompany irises, choose plants based on their needs (exposure, soil...), growth (low plants or light foliage, non-competitive plants), decorative appearance and flowering time. For example, Gauras will not shade the irises and will keep the faded iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California Poppies and Love-in-a-Mist will tolerate the same dry soil conditions as irises in summer. Perennial geraniums, salvias, and Libertias also pair very well with irises. Slopes, the base of small trees with light foliage, and terraced edges can be stabilised by a dense planting of old varieties that require little care. If the goal is more decorative and access for care is possible, modern varieties can be chosen, like intermediates that are less likely to be blown over by wind and rain.

A few clumps or borders of irises can be added to the vegetable garden for cut flowers.