Siberian Iris Iris 'Cleedownton' (Sib)

Water

Siberian Irises, including 'Cleedownton', should be watered deeply once or twice a week, providing about an inch of water each time. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, increase the watering frequency to ensure the soil does not dry out completely. Cut back on water as the cooler weather arrives and especially after the first frost when the plant goes dormant. It's important to water the plants in the morning to allow any excess moisture on the foliage to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of disease.

Light

The Siberian Iris 'Cleedownton' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least six hours of sunlight daily for optimum growth and flowering. An ideal spot would be one where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers, to protect it from intense heat.

Temperature

Siberian Iris 'Cleedownton' is hardy and can endure a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -30°F to temperatures that reach 90°F. However, they prefer cooler conditions and the ideal growing temperatures are between 50°F and 75°F. They require a period of winter chilling to bloom successfully, making them well-suited to areas with cold winters.

Pruning

Siberian Iris 'Cleedownton' should be pruned to remove spent blooms and dead foliage. This not only encourages reblooming but also helps prevent disease. The best time to prune is after flowering, in late summer or early fall. These plants benefit from division every 3 to 5 years, which is also an ideal time to prune and clean up the plant's overall structure.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Siberian Iris 'Cleedownton' thrives in well-draining soil with moderate fertility. A mix of loam, peat, and sand with a pH between 5.5 and 7 is ideal for promoting healthy growth and flowering. Regularly adding organic matter can help maintain soil quality.

Repotting

Siberian Iris 'Cleedownton' typically doesn't require frequent repotting; it's best done every 3 to 5 years. Divide the rhizomes in late summer after blooming when the plant becomes overcrowded.

Humidity & Misting

The Siberian Iris 'Cleedownton' prefers moderate humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels found in most garden environments without specific requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light; keep soil moderately moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to part shade, moist soil, cold winter dormancy.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Siberian Iris 'Cleedownton' starts its life cycle as a dormant rhizome typically planted in the fall. In spring, the rhizome sprouts and develops into linear leaves followed by sturdy flowering stems. By late spring to early summer, the plant flowers, producing showy, elegant blooms that range in color, which are often blue or purple. After flowering, if pollination occurs, the flowers will develop into seed pods, and as the pods mature, they eventually open to release seeds. During the growing season, the plant's foliage continues to photosynthesize, storing energy in the rhizome for the next cycle. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in late fall or winter, when the foliage dies back, and the cycle repeats the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Siberian iris 'Cleedownton' can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The best time to divide and propagate this iris is in the late summer, after the blooming period has finished. Begin by carefully lifting the clump of irises out of the ground with a spade, trying not to damage the rhizomes. Gently shake off excess soil and then use a knife to cut the rhizomes into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one fan of leaves and healthy roots. Replant these divisions promptly at the same soil depth they were growing at previously, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth, and water them in well to settle the soil around the roots.