Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Fiddles on Fire Siberian Iris: Warm Mauve-Rose in Early June
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Fiddles on Fire Siberian iris brings an unusually warm color to the Siberian iris world: mauve-rose flowers lit by bright yellow flares at the base of each fall, with fine darker mauve veining radiating across the petals. Many flowers open together at the top of a compact clump in early to mid-June. It has earned top honors among Siberian irises.
At about 20 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, it fits the front of a border or a small garden. It prefers steadier moisture than lavender, so its best spot is a moister border or rain garden nearby.
Fiddles on Fire at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Iris sibirica 'Fiddles on Fire' |
| Flowers | Mauve-rose with yellow flares and mauve veins |
| Bloom | Starts early June, peaks mid-June |
| Size | About 20 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Foliage | Slender, grassy green leaves that stay neat after bloom |
| Deer and rabbits | Usually leave it alone |
Placing it near lavender
Siberian iris and lavender share sun but differ on water. Fiddles on Fire wants steady moisture through spring and early summer, which would be too much for lavender's roots. Put it in a border on the irrigation line, a rain garden or a low spot that stays a little damp, within sight of the lavender bed.
The timing is ideal: it blooms in early to mid-June, opening just before the lavender begins. Its mauve-rose tones sit in the same warm-purple family as lavender, so the color flows from one bed to the next. After bloom, the fine grassy leaves stay tidy and give the moist border a calm vertical texture all summer. Plan both beds with the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting a bare root Siberian iris
Fiddles on Fire is offered as a bare root plant. Plant with the crown about an inch below the soil surface, spread the roots and water well. Keep the soil moist while it establishes. See the product page for current availability.
Care through the year
- Water: generous in spring and early summer; deep watering in hot, dry spells keeps the foliage fresh.
- After bloom: remove spent flower stems.
- Problems: rarely troubled. Iris leaf spot and crown rot in waterlogged soil are possible, and borer damage is much less common than on bearded iris.
- Fall or spring: cut foliage back. Established clumps need no winter mulch.
- Dividing: split crowded clumps in late summer.
- Black walnut: Siberian iris is not bothered by black walnut, a real help in many Michigan yards.
Cutting and safety
It is a good cut flower; cut stems as the first buds open. Iris rhizomes and leaves are irritating and can cause stomach upset if eaten, so plant it away from pets that chew on plants.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hardy in Michigan?
Very. It is rated for zones 3 to 9 and needs no winter protection once established.
Can I plant it near a black walnut?
Yes. Siberian iris is not bothered by black walnut.
Does it rebloom?
No, it has one main flush in June, but the foliage stays attractive all season.
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