This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral to slightly acid soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Sumptuous, deep violet-purple flowers, each with darker, ruffled lower petals, appear in late spring among clumps of slender, strap-shaped leaves. Give this Siberian iris room to spread and if space allows, plant it in generous, naturalised drifts. It looks wonderful when planted at the edges of a pond, but is equally worthy of a place in a mixed or herbaceous border.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant in soil that has been improved with well-rotted manure or garden compost and do not allow to dry out, particularly as the plant is getting established. If planted in a container, it will need dividing and repotting every couple of years in spring.