New to forum - question on siberian iris

12 years ago

I have always loved irises and they grow well here. I have been reading old threads and really enjoying them.

I have fallen for two red irises:
Pomegranate Punch and Miss Apple.

I was wondering if anyone has had problems with the foliage flopping. Usually Siberians have nice foliage but some is better than others. For example, I have Butter and Sugar that is a little flopped or messy looking compared to the other purple ones that I have.

Thanks for any help.

Featured Answer

harryshoe zone6 eastern Pennsylvania

12 years ago

Beverly,
I can't answer your specific question because I have no experience with the iris you have mentioned.

However, my experience with Siberian Iris leads me to believe that there is a great deal of difference between an old standby like Caesar's Brother and the newer cultivars I have planted. CB grows vigorously and provides beautiful foliage that can used in the landscape like an ornamental grass. The foliage on the newer SI just doesn't measure up. I'm hoping that as they mature the foliage might improve.

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Comments (10)

iris_gal
12 years ago
Sorry no one has an answer. I did see a photo of 'Miss Apple' and the top foliage showing looked straight & upright.
beverlymnz4
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks iris gal. I saw that photo too. I think I shall procede with caution; maybe order one and see how it goes.
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beverlymnz4
Original Author
12 years ago
Harryshoe, thanks for your input. I have an old standby, Butter and Sugar with foliage that won't stand up. Perhaps I need to leave it in one spot a little longer. Any guess on how long it takes to make a nice clump?

I have another NOID, purple, that stands up strait as can be after only one year. Could be Caesar's Brother or could be not a Siberian at all.
harryshoe zone6 eastern Pennsylvania
12 years ago
A mature Caesar's Brother before I divided it into six plants:

CB bloom:

{{gwi:220377}}
casagrande
12 years ago
I also am new to sib iris. I love them. I love the foliage almost as much as the flower itself. do you have seeds to share?
William Dougherty
10 years ago
It took me a couple purchases to get the true Caesar's Brother which is noted for its erect foliage, problem in the nursery trade. Go to the Society for Siberian Iris for good suppliers. Its best to plant Sibs in full sun for optimal foliage. Mix with other wet mesic soil companions for a complete seasonal garden, I use cool season grasses, liatris, and the little Joe Pye Weeds; LIttle Joe and Baby Joe.
William Dougherty
10 years ago
Replace your old Butter and Sugar, the first yellow garden Siberian, poor grower and fades. Many new cultivars available see my blog: SummerChase Gardens for some recommendations.
beverlymnz4 thanked William Dougherty
beverlymnz4
Original Author
10 years ago
Good suggestion - I don't really have full sun in many places and where I do it is quite dry. Since Siberian are medow plants, I'm trying a couple of bearded iris instead.
maximus2015
10 years ago
I'm actually more interested in the Siberian Iris flowers themselves, then the foliage. I am new to growing Siberian Iris, and have infact never seen a Siberian Iris flower. I want to Order 2 Pink Siberian Iris this year - Pink Haze, and Dance Ballerina Dance - but want to know how LARGE the flowers are on Siberian Irises. Can someone give me a rough estimate on how large the flowers are on these Iris ? Thanks.