Iris sibirica 'Orville Fay'

Common Name: Siberian Iris

Medium violet-blue self and a yellow and white blaze with dark veining. Blooms in early to midsummer. Tetraploid.

Siberian irises are haled for their elegant, delicate flowers and disease resistance. They perform admirably in the sunny to partially shady garden, but need plenty of water throughout the season to continue looking their best. In naturalized settings, they are particularly effective around water features. They can also be grown under Black Walnut trees since they are not effected by juglone. Siberian Irises bloom before Japanese Irises but after Tall Bearded Irises.

Height:

36.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple-blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Siberian Irises are among the easiest and most trouble-free species to grow in their genus. They prefer full sun, though they will tolerate part shade especially in warmer zones. Plant in rich, moist soil that is moderately acidic (5.2-6.4). Deadheading this variety will not prolong its bloom.

It is best to leave these irises untouched until there is a noteable lessening of blooms. At that time, they may be divided, preferably in the fall but also in the spring. New clumps may take two or three years to become firmly established, at which time they will begin to bloom profusely. According to Steven Still, Siberian Irises are the best species of Iris for the south.

Fun Facts

Irises have been revered for centuries and became an icon of nobility when King Louis VII of France adopted the iris as his Fleur-de-Louis, now known as the popular symbol of the fleur-de-lis.

Characteristics