Iris sibirica Double Standard - Siberian Iris

The Siberian Iris Double Standard, a rare variety with double flowers for partially shaded situations and moist soils.

The Siberian Iris, or Iris sibirica, is very similar in cultivation to the Japanese iris. It likes rich and moist soils and tolerates the sun but its flowering will last longer in partial shade.

It blooms from May to June for a good 3 weeks. Its flowers, smaller than the Japanese iris (about 10cm (4in) in diameter), are more delicate and generally more intense in colour. There are many cultivars, with blue, violet, pink or white flowers, sometimes bicolor and very rarely double. The flower stems are erect at 1m (3ft) in height and the foliage, slender and dense, reaches a height of 60cm (24in).

Due to its origins, it is not afraid of cold or humidity, but like its Japanese cousin, its stump does not appreciate being submerged underwater in winter. Plant it either on the edge of a pond but not too close to the flood zone, or in a perennial bed that is always damp and moist, even in summer.

The Siberian Iris Double Standard has double flowers, dark violet with a cream throat, 8cm (3in) in diameter. They reach a height of 85cm (34in) and bloom in spring, between May and June, for almost a month.

This variety, rare in cultivation, pairs well with astilbes, hostas, Japanese primroses, masterworts, and Japanese irises.