Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Purring Tiger Siberian Iris: Dusty Lavender and Gold in June
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Purring Tiger Siberian iris pairs dusty lavender upright petals with golden yellow falls lined in purple veins that deepen toward the center, giving each bloom a warm, two-tone crown. It is compact for a Siberian iris, about 18 to 20 inches tall, and it earned an Award of Merit from the American Iris Society in 2024.
Siberian iris likes steadier moisture than lavender, so it fits best in a moister border or rain garden nearby. Its June flowers open just before most lavender begins, and the color, fittingly, is lavender.
Purring Tiger at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Iris sibirica 'Purring Tiger' |
| Flowers | Dusty lavender standards over purple-veined golden yellow falls |
| Foliage | Narrow, grassy, green; stays tidy after bloom |
| Size | 18 to 20 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early June, peaks mid-June |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Deer | Resistant; rabbits leave it alone too |
Close by, not in the bed
Siberian iris is more forgiving than Japanese iris. It does not need a pond edge, just steady moisture, especially in spring and early summer. That makes it a good fit for a border a few steps from the lavender, where you water more often, or for a rain garden at the low end of the yard. Keep it out of the lean, dry lavender bed itself.
From there, it does a lot for a lavender garden. Its dusty lavender petals bloom just ahead of the lavender, so the color starts early. After bloom, its narrow, grassy leaves stay neat and add a fine vertical texture all season. Plan the two areas in the Companion Plant Planner.
Easy care
- Water: keep it well watered through the season, and water deeply in hot, dry spells to keep the foliage fresh.
- After bloom: remove spent stems.
- Disease: rarely troubled. The narrow leaves dry quickly in humid weather, and it suffers far less iris borer damage than bearded iris.
- Cleanup: cut the foliage back in late fall or early spring.
- Dividing: split crowded clumps in late summer.
It is very hardy, to zone 3, and established clumps need no winter mulch.
Cutting Siberian iris
Purring Tiger is a good cut flower. Cut stems as the first bud shows color, and they will open indoors.
About the bare root plant
It is offered as a bare root plant. Plant the rhizome about an inch or two deep in moist soil and water it in well. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plant it near a black walnut tree?
Yes. Siberian iris is not bothered by black walnut, which is good news for many rural yards.
Is it safe if pets chew it?
No. Iris rhizomes and leaves are irritating and can cause stomach upset if eaten.
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