BooneBrier Farm Iris

Siberians (SIBS):

• Long life perennials native to Europe and northern Asia; in cultivation since the 1500's.

• Tolerate a wide range of soils, light and moisture. Drought-tolerant once established( but will develop faster if kept watered.)

• Hold up under neglect.

• Grow 2' to 4' high and bloom in May (some will rebloom under the right conditions).

• Prefer a sunny location with rich,moist slightly acidic soil.

• Best moved and/or divided in September timeframe.

• Chromosome count varies. 28 chromosome varieties are diploids and are considered a little easier to grow. Tetraploids(56 chromosomes) have bigger, more colorful flowers and thicker petals. 40 chromosome varieties have smaller flowers and bloom about 2 weeks later. Cal-Sibs are an example.

Pacific Coast Iris (PCI) - Natives and Hybrids:

• Eleven species are native to Northern California-Oregon and Washington. They have been hybridized and are now "gardenized" and grown successfuly in Europe, Australia, and a number of U.S. states.Their closest relative is the Siberian iris.

• They grow in the 8" to 16" range.

• The petals are often veined. They have more flower color range than Siberians.

• PCNs prefer sun or semi-shade and rich, damp, light and gritty moisture-retentive soil.

• They require less moisture than Sibs but can be tempermental and are slower to establish than Sibs.

• They need moisture in the spring but are drought-tolerant in summer. Don't "waterlog".

• PCNs dislike disturbance. When dividing, do so in larger clumps to help survival rate.

• They hybridize easily.