Siberian Iris Iris 'Cambridge' (Sib)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Cambridge' showcases a striking display of ornamental flowers that are a standout in any garden. The blooms exhibit an array of colors, often with a deep rich base tone that can range from purples to blues, accented with contrasting hues such as whites, yellows, or golds. Each flower consists of three upright petals known as standards, which are elegantly paired with three downward-curving sepals called falls. The falls often feature intricate veining or speckled patterns that draw the eye and add to the plant's charm. The foliage of the Iris 'Cambridge' forms a dense clump of long, slender leaves that are sword-like in appearance, giving the plant a graceful and upright stance. The leaves are a vibrant green, which provides a lush backdrop for the exquisite blooms that emerge on sturdy, upright stems. The flowers and foliage together create a visual spectacle that is both refined and dramatic, making this particular variety of iris a coveted addition to garden settings where color and form are celebrated.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Siberian Iris
- Common names
  Iris sibirica 'Cambridge'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Siberian iris, which 'Cambridge' is a cultivar of, contains compounds that can be toxic when ingested. Ingesting parts of this plant can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation due to the presence of certain chemicals. It is important to avoid consuming any part of the Siberian iris to prevent these potential adverse health effects.
- To pets
  The Siberian iris is also potentially toxic to pets if ingested. Similar to humans, consumption of this plant can lead to gastrointestinal upset in animals, which may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Although it is not typically considered to be severely toxic, it is still advisable to keep pets from eating or chewing on any part of the Siberian iris to avoid these unpleasant symptoms.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  2 feet 4 inches (0.71 meters)
- Spread
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4
- Native area
  Siberia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Iris 'Cambridge' offers stunning violet-blue flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape design.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these irises can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are vital for the pollination of many other plants.
- Low Maintenance: Siberian irises like 'Cambridge' generally require minimal care, making them a great choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Erosion Control: Their robust root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly beneficial on slopes or in areas with loose earth.
- Seasonal Interest: Irises provide vibrant blooms in late spring to early summer and have attractive foliage that adds interest even when they're not in flower.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, water features, and as focal points in garden beds, these irises offer various landscaping possibilities.
- Cold Hardy: Siberian irises are known for their ability to withstand cold winter temperatures, making them suitable for cooler climates.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- The petals of Iris can be pressed and used in art projects, such as in the creation of natural collages or bookmarks for a unique and organic touch.
- Iris can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues ranging from purple to yellow, depending on the part of the plant used.
- In historical clothing, Iris fibers were sometimes incorporated into garments for ornamental purposes, reflecting their cultural significance.
- The roots of Iris, particularly orris root, can be used in perfumery to create a base note that is both woody and floral.
- Due to its striking appearance, Iris is often employed in photography and botanical illustration workshops as a subject for practicing techniques to capture its unique form and colors.
- The plant can be used in the classroom as a learning tool for plant biology and botany, allowing students to study its reproductive system and growth patterns.
- Floral arrangements that incorporate Iris can be dried and used for potpourri, providing a long-lasting fragrance and natural aesthetics to a room.
- Iris blooms are sometimes crystallized with sugar and used as an elegant, edible decoration on cakes and desserts.
- In the Victorian language of flowers, giving someone an Iris could carry symbolic meanings, such as conveying a message of hope or faith, and as such, it could be employed in thematic event decorations.
- Landscapers can utilize the Iris for water garden designs, where it can serve both as an aesthetic feature and as part of a natural water filtration system.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Siberian Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Siberian Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Wisdom: The iris often symbolizes wisdom due to its regal appearance and long-standing association with Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger for the gods and symbol of communication and wisdom.
- Honor: In some cultures, presenting an iris is a way of paying tribute to someone's courageousness and valor, reflecting the plant's majestic and noble demeanor.
- Purity: With its striking petals and poised presentation, the iris is seen as a symbol of purity, similar to other radiantly white flowers like lilies.
- Hope: Its resilience and ability to bloom even in adverse conditions gives it the association with hope, a sentiment deeply felt during the challenging times of spring growth.
- Trust: Trust is a key element of the iris's symbolism, likely due to its dependable flowering year after year, demonstrating the reliability and trustworthiness of nature.
- Royalty: The fleur-de-lis, a stylized iris, has been associated with royalty, particularly in France, symbolizing power, sovereignty, and leadership.

💧

Every 3-4 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-5 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Siberian Irises like 'Cambridge' prefer consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water them deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water which roughly translates to about 0.625 gallons for a standard-sized garden area. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. In the fall, you can reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy.
Light
The Siberian Iris 'Cambridge' thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It does best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes vibrant blooms and healthy growth. An area with morning sunlight and afternoon shade can be ideal, especially in hotter climates to prevent scorching.
Temperature
Siberian Irises are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they grow best when the temperature is between 68°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to -30°F and can handle summer highs up to 90°F, making them versatile for different climates. The ideal growing conditions, however, are in cooler summer regions.
Pruning
Pruning Siberian Iris 'Cambridge' is mainly about maintaining plant health and appearance. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall after it browns. This helps to prevent disease and provides a clean start for spring growth. Division of the clumps every 3 to 5 years in late summer is also recommended for vigor.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Siberian Iris should be rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7). A mix of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand works well for supporting its growth and root health.
Repotting
Siberian Iris typically does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same location for several years. Repot or divide only when the clumps become overcrowded, generally every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & Misting
Siberian Iris prefers average humidity levels. It does not require any special humidity considerations, making it adaptable to the typical outdoor humidity range.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright indirect light, ensure good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Choose a sunny to partial shade spot, protect from strong winds.
- Hardiness zone
  3-8 USDA
Life cycle
The life of an Iris 'Cambridge' (Siberian iris) begins with a seed germination phase, requiring a damp, cool period to kickstart growth, generally in spring. After germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, where leaves and roots develop to establish the plant; during this stage, it forms clumps and increases in size. The growth leads into the flowering stage, usually in late spring to early summer, where it produces its characteristic colorful and showy flowers. Following pollination by insects, the plant develops seed pods during the reproduction stage, which eventually dry and open to disperse seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. Throughout summer and into fall, the plant continues to grow and store energy before entering dormancy in winter, when the foliage dies back in response to cold temperatures. The next year, the Siberian iris emerges from dormancy to repeat its life cycle, often with increased vigor and more abundant blooms as the clumps mature.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagation for the Siberian iris 'Cambridge' is by division. This is typically done in late summer after the blooming period has ended or in early fall, allowing the plant to establish itself before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, remove the plant from the ground carefully and shake off excess dirt to reveal the rhizomes. Using a sharp knife or spade, separate the rhizomes into sections, each with at least one fan of leaves and healthy roots. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their original height, which will reduce transpiration and make it easier for the plant to establish. Replant the divisions promptly, setting the rhizome so the top is about an inch (2.54 cm) below the soil surface and water them well to settle the soil around the roots. It's crucial to maintain adequate moisture for the first few weeks until new growth indicates the division has taken root successfully.