Product Overview
Siberian Iris 'Perry's Blue' aquatic iris for ponds (Iris siberica)
Perry's Blue is a pretty medium blue that stands out against the foliage and in the garden. Siberian iris aren’t usually listed as an aquatic iris, but they love moist conditions and many growers have found them to be aquatic in shallow water (up to 2” over the crown) in Zones 5 through 8.
In terrestrial gardens, most Siberian iris can grow in Zones 3 and 4 as well. They have a simple flower form in a range of colors, and grow quickly into an attractive clump with leaves narrower than most iris. Each individual flower of this species does not last long, but it has many, many flowers that open sequentially, so it will be full of blooms! Unlike many iris, the foliage remains attractive through summer and Fall; foliage is winter dormant.
Siberian iris like mild summer climates, so avoid hot summer climates, particularly desert climates. In warmer areas, partial shade and/or the running water of a streambed is useful.
For information on the different groups of aquatic iris and their advantages and disadvantages in different climates and other specific conditions, please read our blog article Aquatic Iris for Ponds, Water Features and Terrestrial Gardens
Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9, down to 3 or 4 if planted in the garden
Planting Container: We recommend a 10" x 6" fabric pot to grow a regular sized plant, or a 12.5" x 7" or 15" x 6" fabric pot to grow a specimen sized plant. Click on any fabric pot link to read about why fabric pots work better than hard plastic pots!
Light Requirements: full sun to part shade
Height: 42" - Spread: 12" to 24"
Water Depth: Moist Soil or water up to 2" above the crown (Maximum water depth is for mature plants)
FERTILIZING: For best health and growth, we recommend fertilizing regularly (unless using the plants in a plant filtration system!). Use Pondtabbs 20 count, 60 count, or 300 count for fast release, or Aquascape 6 count or 12 count capsules for slow release (once a year) fertilizing. Aquascape is preferred for low maintenance, but Pondtabbs are useful in Spring when Aquascape is slow to start in low temperatures. Pondtabbs are also useful for a quick extra nutrient push for extra bloom, and for mid-summer fertilizing of a new plant (we don't recommend using slow release fertilizer in mid-summer or later in cold climates, as plants should run out of fertilizer at the end of the year to encourage dormancy in cold climates).
Plants are shipped bare root or in starter pots, and will require planting upon arrival. For in depth planting and care instructions visit our Planting and Care Instructions for Shallow Water and Bog Plants.
For information on using plants for pond filtration, please read our blog on this topic!
