Siberian Iris Iris 'Glaslyn' (Sib)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Iris 'Glaslyn' is a striking plant with an elegant appearance. This variety of Siberian iris showcases beautiful flower blooms. Its blossoms have petals in a vibrant hue, often presenting a rich color that might range from deep purples to bright blues. The petals exhibit a pleasing form, typically comprising three upright petals known as "standards" and three downward-curving petals called "falls", which offer a lovely contrast and add to the visual interest of the flowers. The falls may display intricate veining or patterns that can captivate the onlooker. Adding to the appeal of this iris variety, the falls often feature a splash of lighter color or "signals" at their bases. The standards gracefully arch, completing the classic iris form. Each bloom is borne on a sturdy, upright stem, which is surrounded by a fan of elongated, slender, green leaves. These leaves are sword-shaped, adding to the plant’s vertical interest and texture in the garden. Their deep green color provides an excellent background that highlights the dramatic flowers. The Siberian iris generally exudes an air of refinement and cool beauty, thanks to its poised blossoms and lush foliage, which together create an image of serenity and strength. The 'Glaslyn' variety's blossoms appear in the late spring to early summer, offering a show of color when many spring blooms have faded, yet before the full flush of summer flowers. This iris is ideal for adding a touch of elegance to garden borders, water features, or as a focal point in floral arrangements.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Siberian Iris
- Common names
  Iris sibirica 'Glaslyn'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Siberian iris, which Iris 'Glaslyn' is a cultivar of, is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, if ingested, parts of the plant, particularly the rhizomes, can cause mild stomach upset, as they contain certain compounds that can be irritating to the digestive system. This can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Handling the plant might also cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the Siberian iris to prevent these potential negative effects.
- To pets
  The Siberian iris, which Iris 'Glaslyn' is a cultivar of, can be considered mildly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The rhizomes contain irritant substances that can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The risk of severe poisoning is generally low, but ingestion of large quantities could lead to more serious digestive complications. It is best to keep pets away from the Siberian iris, especially from the rhizomes, to prevent any accidental ingestion and the associated discomfort.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Blue
- Height
  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Decorative Appeal: The Iris 'Glaslyn' adds aesthetic beauty to gardens with its striking blue-purple flowers and attractive foliage.
- Ecosystem Support: This type of iris provides nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Siberian irises like 'Glaslyn' are generally low-maintenance plants, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, these irises are quite drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.
- Soil Erosion Control: The robust root system of Siberian irises helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Variety in Landscaping: Iris 'Glaslyn' can be used in various landscape designs, including borders, water garden margins, and wildflower meadows.
- Long Bloom Period: Siberian irises have a lengthy flowering period, providing color and interest in the garden during late spring to early summer.
- Cold Hardiness: These plants are hardy and can survive in colder climates, expanding their suitability to various geographical locations.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, Iris 'Glaslyn' returns year after year, providing consistent beauty with minimal need for replanting.
- Wildlife Habitat: The foliage and structure of the iris can provide shelter and breeding grounds for certain species of wildlife.
- Divisibility: The plants can be easily divided to propagate new plants, allowing gardeners to expand their garden or share with others.
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
- Iris 'Glaslyn' can be used as a natural dye source for textiles, producing colors ranging from yellows to purples depending on the part of the plant used and the mordant applied.
- The fibers from Iris 'Glaslyn' leaves can be woven into baskets, mats, or even paper, offering a sustainable crafting material for various projects.
- As a pond or water garden plant, Iris 'Glaslyn' can provide essential shelter and breeding spots for amphibians and beneficial insects.
- The sturdy leaves of the Iris 'Glaslyn' can be used as natural garden ties or supports for other plants, blending in seamlessly with the green surroundings.
- The blooms can be used to decorate cakes or desserts when coated with a sugary glaze, adding an elegant touch to culinary creations.
- Iris 'Glaslyn' seeds can be used in potpourri mixes because of their size and interesting texture, though they do not have a strong fragrance.
- The plant can act as a natural indicator species, with certain patterns of flowering or growth signaling environmental conditions or soil characteristics.
- Rhizomes of the Iris 'Glaslyn', when dried, can be carved into small ornaments or beads for jewellery, taking advantage of their tough, woody nature.
- Iris 'Glaslyn' can contribute to erosion control on sloped gardens thanks to its extensive root system that holds soil in place.
- The spent flowers can be used in art projects, such as pressing for botanical prints or adding texture to mixed media pieces.

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
- Hope: The iris is often seen as a symbol of hope, representing belief in a positive outcome.
- Wisdom: This plant is also associated with wisdom, as it was named after the Greek messenger goddess Iris, who was thought to be very wise.
- Trust: Gifting an iris can be a gesture of trust, showing faith and confidence in someone.
- Royalty: Due to its regal appearance, the iris is connected with royalty and noble bearings.
- Valor: In some cultures, the flower symbolizes valor and bravery, often used to honor warriors.

💧

Every 7-10 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Siberian iris plants, like Iris 'Glaslyn', prefer consistently moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water these plants thoroughly once a week, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. During periods of dry weather or high temperatures, you may need to water them twice a week. As a rule of thumb, aim for about one gallon of water per plant per watering session, adjusting as necessary for your local conditions. Be mindful not to overwater, as poor drainage can lead to root rot.
Light
The Siberian iris, or Iris 'Glaslyn', thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It is ideal to plant it in a location where it will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Areas with morning sun and afternoon shade are suitable, as they protect the plant from the intense heat of the late day sun.
Temperature
Siberian iris enjoys a range of temperatures but performs best when grown in zones with temperatures between 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to provide adequate winter protection if temperatures in your area dip below this range.
Pruning
Pruning the Siberian iris involves removing spent flower stems after blossoming to maintain a tidy appearance and to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall to remove any dead leaves and discourage overwintering pests. Pruning is typically done on an as-needed basis throughout the growing season and more thoroughly once a year during the plant's dormancy.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Siberian Iris 'Glaslyn' thrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil, with a preferred pH range of slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.0). A mix of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and a bit of sand is ideal to ensure good drainage and aeration. Regularly adding organic matter such as compost will enrich the soil and support robust growth.
Repotting
Siberian Iris 'Glaslyn' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. It's best to repot or divide these irises every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant, which promotes better blooms.
Humidity & Misting
Siberian Iris 'Glaslyn' is relatively tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive. It generally prefers the humidity levels found in average outdoor conditions and does not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure ample sunlight and well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Plant in partial to full sun, in moist, well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of Iris 'Glaslyn', commonly known as Siberian Iris, begins with seed germination, which occurs in late spring to early summer, after which the seedlings develop a primary root and foliage. As the plant matures, rhizomes form and spread, giving rise to new shoots that will develop into flowering plants. The Siberian Iris typically blooms from late spring to early summer, showcasing its striking blue or violet flowers, which are pollinated by insects, enabling the fertilization process. After flowering, the plant sets seeds in capsules that eventually dry and open to release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. When the flowering season ends, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, storing energy in the rhizomes for the next season. Overwintering occurs with the plant going dormant, surviving cold temperatures until the warmth of spring initiates the next growth cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer
- Propogation: Iris 'Glaslyn', also known as Siberian Iris, is commonly propagated through division, which is best done in late summer to early fall after the flowering has ceased. This allows the plant to establish in its new location before the onset of winter. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of iris and wash off the soil to reveal the rhizomes. Using a sharp, clean knife, cut the rhizomes into sections, making sure each section has at least one healthy fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. Trim the leaves to about a third of their height to reduce water loss, and then replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to ensure sufficient room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method encourages rejuvenation of the plant and also helps to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to diminished flowering.