This striking plant is putting on a bold show in the Bee Borders.
The Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) is one of 300 rhizomatous or bulbous species occurring in a range of habitats throughout the northern hemisphere. All species have three characteristic large, reflexed petals (or falls); three erect, horizontal or pendent inner petals; three stamens; and three stigma flaps, which enclose the stigma. The genus is subdivided into several smaller sections according to their cultivation requirements. I. sibirica is a rhizomatous, beardless species, requiring well-drained soil in full sun. It has slender, erect foliage growing to 120cm in height. ‘Tycoon’ is one of the most reliable cultivars producing a mass of heavily veined, intensely coloured flowers in early summer.