Siberian Iris Iris 'Shaker's Prayer' (Sib)

Water

Siberian irises like 'Shaker's Prayer' prefer consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Provide them with about an inch of water per week, increasing to twice per week during particularly hot or dry periods. Water the plant deeply to encourage strong root growth, preferably in the morning so the foliage has time to dry before nighttime. Ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Adjust your watering during the dormant winter months, reducing frequency as the plant requires less moisture when not actively growing.

Light

Siberian irises, such as 'Shaker's Prayer', thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would provide at least six hours of sunlight a day, but these irises can also tolerate filtered sunlight or light afternoon shade. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this can impede flowering and lead to weaker growth.

Temperature

Siberian irises, including 'Shaker's Prayer', are cold hardy and can withstand temperatures well below freezing, down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow best in a temperature range between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. Irises generally do not perform well in regions with extreme heat, particularly if nighttime temperatures do not cool down sufficiently.

Pruning

Pruning Siberian irises like 'Shaker's Prayer' involves removing spent flowers just after they bloom to encourage a tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding if desired. Cut back the foliage to about 6 inches after the first hard frost in fall to prepare the plants for winter. Pruning can also stimulate new growth in the following season. Dividing the plants every 3 to 5 years in late summer will refresh the clump and promote vigorous flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Siberian Iris 'Shaker's Prayer' prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The best soil mix is one that is a combination of loamy or clay soil with abundant compost or peat moss to improve fertility and drainage. The pH level for Siberian Iris should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

Siberian Iris 'Shaker's Prayer' typically does not require frequent repotting. These perennials can thrive in the same location for several years. However, if they become overcrowded or the performance declines, division and repotting may be necessary, typically every 3 to 4 years during late summer to early fall.

Humidity & Misting

Siberian Iris 'Shaker's Prayer' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but does not require high humidity. They are well adapted to outdoor conditions, so ambient humidity typically provides an adequate environment for these hardy perennials.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and moist, well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in moist, well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Iris 'Shaker's Prayer' (Siberian Iris) begins its life as a rhizome, which is planted in the soil typically in late summer to early fall. The rhizome will develop roots and foliage before going dormant during the cold winter months. With the arrival of spring, new shoots emerge and develop into tall, slender leaves, and flower stems begin to grow. In late spring to early summer, the plant blooms with distinctive periwinkle-blue to violet flowers, each with unique white and yellow markings. After flowering, the plant will set seed in a capsule if pollinated, but many gardeners deadhead to encourage robust foliage and possibly a second bloom. In subsequent years, the clump will increase in size, and the gardener may divide it in late summer to propagate new plants or to rejuvenate the original clump.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Iris 'Shaker's Prayer', also commonly known as the Siberian Iris, is often propagated by division, which is the most popular method due to its effectiveness and simplicity. The best time to divide Siberian Irises is in the late summer, after they have finished blooming, typically around August. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of the Iris, trying to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with several healthy fans of leaves and a portion of the rhizome. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters), and watering them well to help establish the new plants. It's important to plant the rhizomes at the proper depth, with the top of the rhizome just beneath the soil surface, in a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-draining soil.