Iris, Caesar's Brother #1

Caesar's Brother Iris

Iris sibirica 'Caesar's Brother'

Height: 36-48in
Spread: 30-36in
Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Time/Color: May; purple
Uses: Rain gardens, borders, massing
Maintenance: Low
Other: Deer/rabbit resistant, cut flower, attracts butterflies

Siberian iris are excellent perennials for dependability and color. 'Ceasar's Brother' shines in the late spring garden, sporting deep violet blooms that rise out of clumps of bluish-green, narrow, sword-like leaves. Its strong stems make it a wonderful cut flower and if left in the garden, attract butterflies readily. Siberian iris are also relatively disease and insect resistant unlike their cousin, the bearded iris. Site them in moist, well-drained fertile soils with a good layer of mulch for best growth, although they can tolerate quite a bit of drought or boggy conditions. Seed pods after flowering can be left for attractive textural elements.

**Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens and TimberPine**