Iris sibirica Charming Billy (Siberian Iris)

Rich in color, Iris sibirica ‘Charming Billy’ (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial with purple to reddish-purple flowers adorned with yellow-tipped, pale blue styles and purple-pink standards. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the blossoms rise atop sturdy flower stalks, well above the foliage. After blooming, the upright, strap-like, dark gray-green leaves remain fresh-looking all season. This selection, part of the Peacock Butterfly Collection

Rich in color, Iris sibirica 'Charming Billy' (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial with purple to reddish-purple flowers adorned with yellow-tipped, pale blue styles and purple-pink standards. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the blossoms rise atop sturdy flower stalks, well above the foliage. After blooming, the upright, strap-like, dark gray-green leaves remain fresh-looking all season. This selection, part of the Peacock Butterfly Collection

  • Recipient of the Award of Merit (2016) – Irises proven of value over at least five years since introduction.
  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in moist, fertile, humusy, organically rich, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Shade is tolerated, but the flowering performance may be altered. While this lovely iris enjoys a wide range of soils, slightly acidic soil is where this plant will thrive.
  • Among the most trouble-free and low maintenance plants in the garden, Siberian Irises are deer resistant.
  • A welcomed addition to beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, rain gardens or near streams or ponds, where it provides excellent color contrast.
  • The best time to plant Siberian Irises is spring or late summer.
  • Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early fall
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Iris sibirica is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, from Europe (including France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Former Yugoslavia, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine and northern Turkey) and Central Asia (including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Siberia).

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iris Sibirica – Siberian Irises
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 12″
– 18″
(30cm
– 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Rabbit, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage