Iris (sk. germanica) 'SIVA SIVA' bearded iris

Many beautiful plants bear names of significant or famous people of various fields. So why not calling one a name of god! Precisely one of Indian gods Siva. And to prove our point say it twice: Siva Siva. This bearded iris bears extraordinary, large flowers whose standards are pale amber orange, and red cinnamon margins of porcelain white falls. It is a midseason bloomer producing flowers from late May until the first decade of June. Sword-like leaves are deciduous, pale green. Stems are 80-90 cm tall. Bred by James R. Gibson in 1961 and introduced in 1962 as one of his possibly best plicata-pattern iris.

Hybrid varieties of bearded iris thrive in full sun and should be planted in well-drained but moist soil of any pH. Various sources say different things about pH requirements, however, truth is that if the soil is reasonably fertile acidity does not play a significant role. Do not mistake them for water irises which do like wet and boggy conditions, these hybrids might rot it such environment.

The plants spread with their rhizomes but are not invasive. Unwanted new rhizomes can easily be dug out and transplanted somewhere else. The rhizomes like warmth so if your garden beds are mulched reduce its amount above iris’ roots to minium. Occasional fertilizing is welcome to enhance flowering and plant health. Thanks to showy flowers and variability of colours available they will be both a perfect companion plants for others as well as great features in any landscape design. Fully hardy to min. -40°C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 24-06-2020