Siberian iris (Iris 'Steve Varner')

Overview

The Siberian iris, exemplified by the stunning cultivar Iris ‘Steve Varner’, provides elegant vertical structure and deeply saturated color to the late spring garden. This herbaceous perennial is highly valued for its refined, grass-like foliage that remains attractive long after the blooms fade, mimicking the look of ornamental grasses. Gardeners appreciate Iris ‘Steve Varner’ for its low maintenance requirements and adaptability across a wide range of conditions.

Belonging to the Siberian iris group, this variety originates from Asian species well-adapted to varying moisture levels. Iris ‘Steve Varner’ typically reaches 2.5 to 3 feet tall, featuring flowering stems that rise above the neat, linear blue-green leaves. Its primary appeal lies in its beardless flowers—unlike bearded types—which showcase an upright standard and flaring falls, with this specific selection boasting deep blue tones edged in a lighter hue.

This adaptable plant offers significant functional benefits alongside its beauty, performing admirably as primary planting material in rain gardens or along watersides. The robust nature of the Siberian iris ensures reliable performance, making Iris ‘Steve Varner’ a versatile addition that handles moist soils while also tolerating periods of drought once established.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Iridaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2.5-3 ft
  • Spread: 2-2.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Deep blue with light blue edges
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Siberian iris cultivars like Iris ‘Steve Varner’ thrive when planted in fertile, humusy, organically rich soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. Ensure the planting site receives full sun to partial shade, as too much shade will drastically reduce flowering and cause the foliage to flop. Rhizomes should be set shallowly, only 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface, spaced 1 to 2 feet apart to allow room for clumping. Planting time varies by climate: early spring or late summer in cold regions, and fall in mild winter areas.

Watering is key for maximizing bloom potential; maintain consistent moisture from the start of spring growth through several weeks post-flowering. Although Iris ‘Steve Varner’ handles many soil types, consistent moisture is preferred, and you should continue irrigation after bloom to keep the handsome blue-green foliage looking attractive into the fall. Divide clumps only when flowering has clearly decreased due to overcrowding, which typically occurs every few years.

Routine maintenance is generally minimal once established. Promptly remove spent flowering stems after the bloom period; however, you may leave the seed pods if their structure enhances the late-season garden view. Because Siberian irises lack the thick rhizomes of bearded types, they are less prone to rot and borer issues, contributing further to their low-maintenance appeal.

Landscape Uses

The versatility of the Siberian iris makes it a cornerstone plant for moisture-loving garden areas. Iris ‘Steve Varner’ is exceptionally effective when massed along stream banks, pond margins, or in designated rain gardens, leveraging its tolerance for wet soil conditions. Its upright, clump-forming habit also makes it excellent for lining pathways, providing a soft but defined edge without feeling stiff.

Beyond moist situations, this plant mixes beautifully into mixed perennial borders, offering early summer drama. The fine texture of the arching, grass-like foliage serves as a wonderful contrast to broader-leaved perennials. Use well-placed specimens to draw the eye through the landscape, knowing that the foliage provides lasting structural beauty throughout the growing season and into autumn. Furthermore, the stunning deep blue flowers of Iris ‘Steve Varner’ make it an excellent choice for cutting, enhancing any indoor arrangement.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Good Cut

Noteworthy Characteristics

Plants in the Siberian iris group are chiefly of hybrid origin, primarily being derived from two blue-flowered Asian species, namely, I. Sibirica and I. Sanguinea. Arching, narrow, grass-like, linear, blue-green leaves form a vase-shaped foliage clump to 2’ tall. Flowering stems rise above the foliage to 3’ tall in May-June, each stem bearing 2-5 flowers. In comparison to bearded varieties, Siberian irises have smaller beardless flowers and narrower grass-like leaves. ‘Steve Varner’ produces wide, ruffled, deep blue flowers with light blue edges in late spring.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Erosion
• Clay Soil
• Wet Soil

Potential Problems

Siberian irises, including Iris ‘Steve Varner’, are exceptionally robust specimens that generally avoid the common ailments that plague bearded iris varieties, specifically bacterial soft rot and iris borer. This resistance contributes significantly to their low maintenance score.

To ensure continued health, the primary concern is cultural: ensuring proper moisture balance. Avoid planting in areas that become chronically waterlogged or excessively dry for long periods. If blooms diminish, carefully check if encroaching neighboring plants or poor light conditions are causing the foliage to flop or hindering flowering ability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Siberian iris suitable for?

The Siberian iris, including Iris ‘Steve Varner’, is reliably hardy across a wide range, suitable for USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Iris ‘Steve Varner’ grow?

This variety typically matures to a height between 2.5 and 3 feet, with a spread ranging from 2 to 2.5 feet, forming a neat, upright clump.

What sun exposure does Iris ‘Steve Varner’ need?

For best performance and prolific blooming, Iris ‘Steve Varner’ requires full sun to partial shade conditions.

When does Siberian iris bloom?

The rich, deep blue flowers of the Siberian iris bloom reliably in the late spring, typically from May to June.

Conclusion

The Iris ‘Steve Varner’ Siberian iris offers gardeners reliable structure, stunning late-spring color, and remarkable adaptability, handling both wet sites and dry spells admirably once established. This cultivar proves that beauty and resilience go hand-in-hand, making it a superb choice for low-fuss perennial designs. Check your local climate to ensure these plants fit within USDA Zones 3-8 and plan your planting for appropriate timings this coming spring or fall.

Companion Planting

When designing a border featuring Iris ‘Steve Varner’, focus on companions that appreciate similar moisture conditions but offer contrasting textures or bloom times. Because the Siberian iris foliage is fine and linear, pair it with plants featuring broad leaves, such as Hostas (in shadier spots) or Peonies, whose large blooms contrast nicely with the iris flowers.

For managing moisture near a “medium to wet” area, consider native moisture lovers like Caltha (Marsh Marigold) for early color, or Astilbe and Ligularia for color later in the season when the iris fade. These groupings help create a layered, visually interesting tapestry that maximizes the garden’s structure throughout the entire growing season.

Design Ideas for Moist Borders

Utilizing groups of Iris ‘Steve Varner’ along the edge of a pond or constructed wetland creates a naturalized transition zone between lawn and water. Their sturdy, clean foliage acts as an excellent vertical accent against the looser forms of marginal aquatic plants. Grouping them in odd numbers (threes or fives) provides the best visual impact without appearing too formal.

In the rain garden setting, where water management is key, the tolerance of Iris ‘Steve Varner’ for wet soil is a major advantage. Combine the reliable blue flowers with complementary colors like the yellows of True Blue Primrose or the whites of certain Spireas. This combination ensures continuous interest while strategically managing runoff water effectively throughout the site.