Chilled Wine Siberian Iris

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. For a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

A vivid blue iris that is a natural for planting around fountains and water gardens where leaves suggest reeds at the shoreline. Use patches of them in dry stream beds to simulate the presence of water. Plants look great around landscape boulders or in antique clay pots for dramatic forms and textures. It is also very well suited to traditional perennial borders where short stature and tall flower spikes add a splash of color. Dense growth and size makes a fine plant for single specimen or in masses to intensify color. A natural for cooler cottage gardens and Asian inspired settings.

This very cold hardy iris hails from central and eastern Europe, and throughout Russia, hence the reference by Linnaeus to Siberia in the species name. It has long been grown in gardens since the 16th century, but breeding did not begin in earnest until the popularity of perennial borders began in late 19th century England. Genus Iris was conferred by Linnaeus naming the vast colorful group after the mythical goddess Iris, herself named from the Greek for rainbow. It is the source of the French Fleur-de-lis and includes well over 150 perennial species from around the world. 'Chilled Wine' was developed by renowned Northern California iris breeder, Ben Hager and introduced in 1981.