Siberian Iris Iris 'Rigamarole' (Sib)
ABOUT
The Iris 'Rigamarole' is a visually captivating perennial plant that enchants with its intricate blooms and attractive foliage. Its flowers are a striking combination of colors, often showcasing a blend of purples, blues, and mauves. The petals have a graceful form, with the characteristic standards and falls that irises are known for. The standards are the upright parts of the flower, while the falls are the downward curving segments, often with a beard or crested area that adds texture and contrast. The flowers themselves cluster atop sturdy, upright stems that emerge from a base of sword-shaped, green leaves. These leaves are stiff and elongated, with sharp tips and a vertical orientation, adding a bold green texture to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom. The overall appearance of the Iris 'Rigamarole' is one of refined beauty, with a color palette that can complement a wide variety of other garden plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Siberian Iris
Common names
Iris 'Rigamarole' (Sib).
ToxicityTo humans
The Siberian Iris, which includes the variety 'Rigamarole,' is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. If ingested, the rhizomes or roots may cause mild stomach upset including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the presence of irisin, irisine, and other irritant substances. Handling the plant can sometimes lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Siberian Iris, known as 'Rigamarole,' contains compounds that can be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats if ingested. The most common symptoms of poisoning include gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, excessive drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain may occur. It is especially the rhizomes or roots that contain the irritants, so pets should be discouraged from digging up and chewing on these parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Iris 'Rigamarole' provides aesthetic appeal with its striking flowers and foliage, enhancing the visual interest of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively resistant to periods of dryness once established, making it suitable for low-water-use gardens.
- Cold Hardiness: This plant is capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Ease of Cultivation: Irises are generally easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
- Pollinator Attraction: Irises can attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional maintenance such as dividing and deadheading.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for use in mixed borders, waterside plantings, and as a focal point in garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides seasonal interest with its lush foliage and the timing of its blooms in the spring or early summer.
- Divisibility: The rhizomes can be divided every few years to propagate new plants, which can help gardeners expand their gardens or share with others.
- Deer Resistance: Irises are typically not favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Natural Dyes: The blooms of the Siberian iris can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from soft green to rich gold, depending on the mordant used.
- Eco-friendly Art Supplies: Petals and leaves can be incorporated into paper-making processes to create unique textures and patterns in handmade paper products.
- Edible Decoration: Although not a common food item, the petals of Siberian iris, after ensuring they are free from pesticides, can be crystallized or used fresh as decorative elements on cakes and pastries.
- Fragrance Extraction: While not as fragrant as some other flowers, the subtle scent of Siberian iris can be extracted to make a light, floral perfume or for use in aromatherapy.
- Garden Pest Deterrent: Planting Siberian iris can help deter certain garden pests, such as rabbits and deer, which tend to avoid them due to their fibrous leaves and bitter taste.
- Companion Planting: Siberian iris can be beneficial when planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes, as they can help ward off the tomato hornworm moth.
- Floating Garden Accents: Detached Siberian iris flowers can be placed in water bowls or fountains to create elegant floating accents for garden parties or events.
- Botanical Illustration and Photography: The intricate details and vivid colors of the Siberian iris make it a favorite subject for artists and photographers who specialize in botanical themes.
- Culinary Experimentation: The young shoots of Siberian iris are said to be edible when cooked, and can be used similarly to asparagus, although they are not commonly consumed.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried petals of the Siberian iris can be scattered as a natural, biodegradable confetti alternative for outdoor celebrations such as weddings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The iris often represents hope, holding a message of faith that the future holds positive outcomes.
- Wisdom: It is symbolic of wisdom, indicating the valuable knowledge and learning experiences that may come.
- Courage: The flower is also a symbol of courage, encouraging strength in facing challenges ahead.
- Purity: With its elegant blooms, the iris can represent purity and innocence, much like many other white or light-colored flowers.
- Royalty: Historically, the iris is associated with royalty and regal bearings, partly due to its regal appearance and its connection to the French monarchy through the fleur-de-lis.
WaterSiberian irises like Iris 'Rigamarole' prefer consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. They should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, with more frequent watering during prolonged dry spells. A good rule of thumb is to provide about an inch of water per week, which translates to roughly 0.6 gallons for a small cluster of irises. If the weather is particularly hot and dry, you may need to water more frequently, but always allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
LightSiberian irises like Iris 'Rigamarole' thrive in full sun to partial shade. They will bloom most prolifically with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but they can also perform well with some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. The ideal spot for these irises would be a location that receives morning sunlight and partial shade during the intense heat of the afternoon.
TemperatureSiberian irises such as Iris 'Rigamarole' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from the cold of USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. They can survive winter temperatures down to -40°F and summer temperatures up to 90°F. However, their ideal growing conditions are in temperatures ranging from 68°F to 75°F during the growing season. They should be protected from extreme heat, which can be detrimental to their growth and blooming.
PruningSiberian irises such as Iris 'Rigamarole' should be pruned to remove any brown or damaged leaves and spent flower stems to encourage healthy growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning is best done in late fall or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading, or the removal of faded flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to promote additional blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSiberian Iris 'Rigamarole' prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7. Amend the soil with compost and peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingSiberian Iris 'Rigamarole' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be divided every 3 to 5 years during late summer after flowering has ceased.
Humidity & MistingSiberian Iris 'Rigamarole' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average garden conditions without the need for additional humidity measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good air circulation for Siberian Iris.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, well-draining soil, and divide every few years.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe Iris 'Rigamarole' begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in late summer to early fall, germinating within a generally cool environment. After germination, the young seedlings develop into juvenile plants with basic leaf formation. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative growth stage marked by the development of long, sword-like leaves and a robust root system. During spring and early summer, Iris 'Rigamarole' enters its flowering phase, producing intricate, multicolored blossoms that are a hallmark of the Siberian Iris group. After pollination, either naturally or artificially, the flowers fade and seed pods form, eventually drying and releasing seeds to start a new generation. Throughout the year, the plant might undergo periods of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, reserving energy in its rhizomes for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
Iris 'Rigamarole', also known as the Siberian iris, is commonly propagated through division. The best time to divide and propagate these plants is in late summer to early fall, after the flowering has finished and the plant has gone dormant. To propagate by division, the clumps of the Siberian iris should be carefully dug up and the rhizomes separated with a sharp knife. Each division should have a few leaves and a portion of the roots. The divisions can then be replanted about a foot (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow enough space for the plants to grow. The area should be well-watered after replanting to encourage root development. This method is effective for maintaining the health of the plants and rejuvenating older clumps that have become overcrowded.
