Blue Iris
There is no lovelier shade of Blue Iris than that found in the variety Caesars Brother and its its near relative Little Caesar a more miniature form of blue iris they are Siberian irises and are therefore grown from bulbs and not rhizomes.
These blue iris because they sprout from bulbs are among the easiest of all types of blue iris to raise and bloom in the temperate climatic zones of North America. Their graceful stems, flowers and foliage, and neat compact growth habit make them the most adaptable of all iris for the perennial border and I love them dearly . The handsome foliage of this blue iris is attractive all year round , even after the first frost when it turns rusty red-brown.
The garden varieties of Siberian iris are hybridized, from two species, Iris siberica and Iris sanguinia, which were primarily found in Central Europe and Asia
Ceasars brother (tall blue Iris)
General Culture:
Common Name: Siberian iris
Zone: 3a – 9a
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Iridaceae
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Spread: 2.5 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: May/June ( May/June/July my garden depends on final snow)
Bloom Color: Deep blue/ purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Blue iris Caesar’s Brother a very easy to grow blue iris, this blue iris grows best in average garden soils , medium to wet soil is preferred in full sun to part shade but shade is not essential, in my garden this tall stately blue iris grows equally well as a tall backdrop foundation plant in a sunny border as it does with its feet slightly wet right next to my pond. An adaptable blue iris which tolerates a wide range of soils. This blue iris is said to grow best in very moist, fertile, slightly acid soil, including boggy conditions, but will also tolerate a poor, dry soil because of how deeply its thick roots penetrate the soil .
These blue iris are equally as stunning in mass plantings as they are as used as spots of true blue iris color dotted around the garden
Noteworthy Characteristics: of this tall blue iris is it produces deep true blue distinctive orchid like flowers in late spring to early summer, its upright rigid stems which rise to about 40″ high above clumps of arching, narrow, grass-like, slender leaves. Clumps will grow together and form tough weed barriers after the blue iris blossoms have faded, its foliage retains its rich green color into the fall and makes an excellent green back drop for later flowering plants. an excellent cut flower, but unfortunately these blue iris blossoms last only 1-2 days.
Problems:
No serious pest or disease problems. because this blue iris is a Siberian blue iris, and therefore it is less prone to the iris borer and soft root rot than its tall bearded iris cousins.
Uses:
Mixes well with other perennials in the perennial border and provides excellent early season blue iris blossoms adding both its vivid color and contrast to the perennial border. This blue iris is also effective when mass planted on a slope or hillside or as individual clumps on an overhanging bank along a stream or pond. Massed plantings of these blue iris or well-placed specimens will enhance almost any garden setting, I have never had a garden where I have neglected to include these lovely blue iris ,which are easy care low maintenance plants.
Little Caesar’ the same blue iris
Little Ceasar a hard to locate smaller blue iris for front of border