Siberian Iris

How to grow Siberian Iris

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in autumn or spring with the crown just below the surface, unlike bearded iris. It suits the damp end of a border or a pond margin, but will not sit in standing water all year. Allow a couple of seasons for a new plant to settle before expecting a full display.

Pruning

Leave the seed heads if you want winter structure, otherwise cut flower stems out at the base. Cut the grassy foliage down in late winter before new growth starts.

Propagation

Divide established clumps in early autumn or spring, using two forks back to back — the root mass is tough. Water divisions well until they root, as they sulk if allowed to dry out.

Pests and diseases

Generally trouble-free in UK gardens. Slugs may graze new shoots in spring but rarely do lasting harm.

Value to wildlife

Bees work the flowers, and the dense clump of narrow foliage provides good cover at the edge of a pond.

Notes

Much easier than bearded iris on clay and in wetter gardens. It resents being moved and often skips a year of flowering afterwards, so divide only when the clump is genuinely congested.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Iris sibirica but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Iris