Iris sibirica Weisser Orient - Siberian Iris

Iris sibirica 'Weisser Orient' will illuminate your borders and flower beds in spring with its white flowers enhanced by a golden yellow heart. In full sun or partial shade (in the warmest regions), it adapts to any soil that is not too dry, with a preference for moist to wet soils. It is a perennial plant that forms a clump of green, upright leaves and requires little maintenance.

Iris sibirica is a rhizomatous perennial and deciduous plant of the Iridaceae family. In its natural state, it grows on heathlands and wet meadows in central and eastern Europe, northeastern Turkey, and Russia. In France, it is considered an endangered and protected species. The varieties offered are mainly the result of hybridisation between I. sibirica and I. sanguinea. Their flowers are generally larger and display a wide range of colours.

This Siberian iris is robust. It is an easy-to-care-for perennial plant that was obtained by Steiger in 1958. Since then, it has been brightening up flower beds and borders alongside other perennial plants that prefer moist soil. Its green, narrow leaves form a clump about 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in all directions. In May-June, tall stems bear flowers composed of three sepals and three petals associated with stigmas, forming a flower with a truly unique appearance. The sepals of the 'Weisser Orient' variety are white with yellow spots in their centre. The rest of the flower is pure white.

In the garden, Siberian iris 'Weisser Orient' brings light to flower beds and borders. Combine it with other perennial plants that prefer moist soil, such as 'Jannick's Choice' daylily with yellow-green flowers and 'Blue Melody' camassia with blue flowers. It will create a sensation at the edge of a pond or basin, either alone or with other Siberian irises: 'Caesar's Brother' with blue flowers and 'Tipped in Blue' with bicoloured blooms in blue and yellow. Its flowers make beautiful bouquets.