A dark purple-blue Siberian iris flower (Iris sibirica)

Still Going Strong

Posted on by Ann Mackay

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On my visit to Fullers Mill earlier this week, I was surprised to see that their Siberian irises were still flowering. Not only that, but they had plenty of buds still too. Those in my own garden finished flowering a little while ago. (I’ve even had enough time to deadhead them all.)

Blue flowers of Iris sibirica 'Silver Edge'
Iris sibirica ‘Silver Edge’

Perhaps the reason for the variation in flowering time is that my garden has been hotter and the soil more dried out. At Fullers Mill there are a lot of trees, which must help to give some shelter from the heat of the sun. There seems to be more moisture in the soil there too. Whatever the reason, it was a pleasure to be able to see these lovely plants still in flower.

The deep purple-blue tones of the iris in the top photo captivated me. The petals have a velvety look, enhancing the opulent effect of the flower. (I’d love to have enough space to grow this one – probably ‘Shirley Pope’ if anyone else has the same thought.) I recognise the second iris (photo above) because I have it in my own garden. It’s ‘Silver Edge’. Unfortunately, my plant is sulking a bit after having been moved, but hopefully it will recover and flower more prolifically in future.

A white Siberian iris
This white Siberian iris may be ‘White Swirl’.

Another guess, aided by a Google photo search, makes me think that the white and yellow iris above may be ‘White Swirl’. Although it’s the blue irises that capture my affections, the calm and elegance of white is often exactly what’s needed to create a quiet space away from the hurly-burly of bright colours.

The photo below (from a different garden) shows a planting of blue Siberian irises, with perfect (unchewed by slugs and snails) hostas and pretty candelabra primulas. Oh, how I would love to be able to re-create this in my own garden! (Especially if I could have the stream that’s hiding behind it too) I can always dream!

Siberian irises in a waterside planting with hostas and primulas
Siberian irises look perfect in a waterside planting with hostas and primulas.
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Published by Ann Mackay

Photographer, mixed-media art adventurer and completely daft about plants.......

21 thoughts on “Still Going Strong”

  1. That last photo of the combined flowers is utterly charming. The Siberian irises are especially nice. I’m coming to realize something odd. As much as I love white flowers, white irises just don’t do it for me. This blue is more attractive to my eye, even though I generally wouldn’t choose blue flowers, and that purple’s a knockout. I think both the texture and color add to that one’s beauty.

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  3. Regarding the first picture, do you know whether the curves on the white areas near the base of some petals are designed to guide pollinators inward?

    I think this is the first time I’ve heard anyone refer to a plant as “sulking”.

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    1. I believe that they are guides – they’re in exactly the right place. There may also be markings that are not visible to us but that can be seen by insects. ‘Sulking’ is often used by gardeners – maybe more in the UK than elsewhere. It certainly feels as if that is what a plant is doing if it doesn’t flower much while it adjusts to where it has been planted. (Sadly, sulking can sometimes be terminal!)

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  6. I don’t think it ever occurred to me to deadhead my Siberian irises (and I have had them in my garden for more than 25 years). New thought. thanks. BTW, mine are still blooming–in stages (and not because I planned it that way). This year, I have Siberian irises where I did not last year, and they are blooming later. I don’t know how they migrated, but I will leave them because they are such happy flowers.

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    1. I do deadhead mine because they can suffer here if it’s too hot and dry – at least they’re not trying to put their energy into making seeds at the same time. But that does mean that I won’t get any seedlings, which I suspect you must have done if they seem to have moved. If they are young plants, that may be why they are blooming later. I think my plants went over quickly because they were getting too much heat and not enough moisture in the soil.

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  7. These are all beautiful, especially the composition in the last photo.

    There are still many iris in bloom in our part of Colorado as well, but we have had a cooler-than-average May with above-average rainfall.

    I have trouble deadheading our iris as the wilted blossoms seem to be firmly attached to the stem and I’m always worried I will pull out the entire plant. Do you have any suggestions about proper procedure?

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    1. Thank you Tanja! (Though credit for the composition in that photo really belongs with the gardener. I feel I learn a lot about laying out a garden from these visits.) I use secateurs when I’m deadheading the irises – it’s much easier than trying to pull them off – and quicker!

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  9. Your photos are stunning—the last one really stands out with its beautiful composition! It’s wonderful to hear your irises are still blooming; the cooler, wetter weather must be a treat for them.

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    1. Thank you for the kind comment! It was lovely to see these irises still blooming. Now it has become sunny and hot – and the roses everywhere are enjoying it! 🙂

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