Iris sibirica Fond Kiss (Siberian Iris)

Extravagantly beautiful, Iris sibirica ‘Fond Kiss’ (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial, providing an elegant display of ivory white flowers adorned with a large but delicate pink flush at the base of each fall. This midseason Iris produces 3 buds which open in slow succession in late spring to early summer.

Extravagantly beautiful, Iris sibirica 'Fond Kiss' (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial, providing an elegant display of ivory white flowers adorned with a large but delicate pink flush at the base of each fall. This midseason Iris produces 3 buds which open in slow succession in late spring to early summer. After blooming, the grass-like foliage, consisting of sturdy clumps of upright gray-green, narrow and fairly rigid, blade-shaped leaves, is also one of its most attractive garden features. Spectacular when planted in groups.

  • Won many major awards, including the Honorable Mention (2002) and Award of Merit (2004) from the American Iris Society as well as the prestigious Morgan Wood Award (2008)
  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 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. Drought tolerant, even though this iris prefers adequate moisture.
  • 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
– 8

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 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″
– 24″
(45cm
– 60cm)
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, Drought, 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