Siberian Iris 'Ruffled Velvet'

Iris sibirica ‘Ruffled Velvet’ is a clump-forming, beardless iris with narrow, upright foliage and large, deeply ruffled purple flowers marked by a yellow signal. Its flowers rise above the leaves in early summer, bringing a strong vertical accent to moist perennial borders. ## Form and placement The [RHS profile for ‘Ruffled Velvet’](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/92241/iris-ruffled-velvet-sib/details) lists a mature height of 0.5–1 metre and a spread of 0.1–0.5 metre. Allow room for the clump to widen, and avoid planting where the soil stays dry through spring. The cultivar is listed as a Siberian iris; the [American Iris Society Iris Wiki](https://www.wiki.irises.org/Sib/SibRuffledVelvet) and [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-sibirica/) document its purple flowers and yellow markings. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile garden soil that remains moist but is not waterlogged. Siberian irises can tolerate some dryness after establishment, though steady moisture supports stronger growth and bloom. Choose a site with enough light for upright stems and good flowering. ## Maintenance Cut old flower stems after flowering and remove dying foliage in autumn. Divide congested rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn. Watch for slugs, snails, or thrips, and avoid injuring the rhizomes during division.