Iris sibirica 'Butter and Sugar' is a Siberian iris cultivar known for its creamy white standards and soft butter yellow falls. It offers a refined two toned appearance and thrives in moist garden conditions, making it ideal for borders and water adjacent plantings.
Height & Spread: 24 - 30 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture especially during active growth
Deer Resistance: High
Native Status
Not native to North America. This cultivar is derived from Siberian iris species native to Europe and Asia, widely adapted in ornamental gardens across the U.S. for its graceful form and wet soil tolerance.
Wildlife & Insects
Butterflies
- Attracts swallowtails and spring Azure butterflies that frequent moist gardens in search of nectar.
Bees
- Visited by sweat bees and native solitary bees drawn to its open blooms for pollen access.
Beneficial Insects
- Encourages hoverflies and lacewing larvae that help control aphids and support ecosystem balance.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow for upright growth and air circulation while maintaining a full appearance.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, or perennial beds where moist conditions and delicate contrast are desired.
Companion Plants
- Astilbe chinensis (Chinese Astilbe) - Feathery flower plumes and tolerance for wet soil complement the iris form.
- Ligularia dentata (Leopard Plant) - Large textured leaves and bold yellow blooms echo the iris tones while thriving in similar conditions.
- Hosta 'Guacamole' - Broad green foliage with creamy variegation contrasts and fills out moisture loving beds.
- Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold) - Bright yellow spring blooms add seasonal overlap and color harmony near water.
- Carex elata 'Aurea' (Bowles Golden Sedge) - Fine, arching golden grass adds graceful movement and mirrors the butter yellow falls.