Siberian iris 'Flight of Butterflies' Iris 'Flight of Butterflies' (Sib)

Water

Siberian Irises like 'Flight of Butterflies' should be watered deeply, especially during dry spells, to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and early summer, water about once or twice a week, with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions. Reduce watering after bloom time as the plant starts to go dormant in late summer. In general, ensure that they receive about an inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. It is best to water these irises in the morning to allow any moisture on the foliage to dry before evening, which reduces the risk of disease.

Light

Siberian Irises such as 'Flight of Butterflies' thrive best in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal for these plants. They can tolerate light shade, especially in regions with very hot summers, but too much shade can reduce blooming and weaken the plant.

Temperature

Siberian Irises like 'Flight of Butterflies' are cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes them suitable for many climates. They grow best within a temperate range, with the ideal growing conditions being between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It's crucial to avoid extremely hot temperatures over prolonged periods, as this can stress the plants and hinder their growth.

Pruning

Siberian Irises, including 'Flight of Butterflies', should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged foliage and spent flower stalks to promote healthy growth and maintain an attractive appearance. This is best done after blooming, typically in late summer. Pruning can also be done in the spring to remove any winter-damaged foliage. Pruning not only tidies the plant but also helps to minimize the risk of disease.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Siberian Iris 'Flight of Butterflies' prefers rich, well-draining soil with a pH of slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7. Ideal soil mix can be made by combining loamy garden soil, compost, and sand in equal parts to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Regular amending with organic matter helps maintain soil quality.

Repotting

Siberian Iris 'Flight of Butterflies' needs to be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. The best time to repot is in late summer after the blooming period or in early fall, giving the plant time to re-establish before winter.

Humidity & Misting

Siberian Iris 'Flight of Butterflies' is quite adaptable but thrives best in an environment with average humidity levels. Excessive humidity is not required; it tolerates the normal outdoor humidity range well and does not have specific humidity requirements for healthy growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade, moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Siberian Iris 'Flight of Butterflies' begins with seed germination, typically after a period of stratification that mimics winter conditions. Seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants with characteristic narrow, grass-like leaves. As the plant matures, rhizomes (horizontal underground stems) spread, and new shoots and roots grow, establishing a clump-forming habit. The plant reaches maturity and begins to flower in late spring to early summer, showing its distinct blue or violet flowers that resemble fluttering butterflies. After pollination, usually by insects, the flowers produce capsules filled with seeds, which are dispersed to start a new generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the winter, when growth slows or stops until the conditions become favorable again in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to early fall

• Iris 'Flight of Butterflies', commonly known as Siberian Iris, is most commonly propagated by division. The best time to divide and propagate this plant is in late summer to early fall, after the blooming season has ended and the plant is entering dormancy. To propagate, carefully dig up the clump of the Siberian Iris and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one healthy fan of leaves and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions at the same soil depth they were growing at previously, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This method of division helps rejuvenate older clumps that may have become too dense and promotes vigorous growth and blooming in subsequent seasons.