Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris

Iris siberica 'Ruffled Velvet'

Nature Hills Nursery

Velvety Deep Purple-Blue Petals with Romantic Ruffled Edges and Golden Yellow Highlights
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 24-26 ft Wide
Showy Blue, Purple, Yellow Blooms in Late Spring
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$33⁴⁷

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flower production. While these Irises can handle partial shade, especially in the hot afternoon, you will notice fewer of the deep purple blooms and slower growth in lower light conditions.
Soil: These plants love moist, rich soil and are famous for handling "wet feet" better than other iris varieties. If you have heavy clay, add compost to help it breathe, but avoid sandy soils that dry out too quickly since this plant prefers consistent moisture.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist while the roots settle in. Once established, they are quite resilient and can handle short dry spells, but inconsistent watering during the spring will lead to smaller flowers and scorched leaf tips. For the best display, keep the soil damp to the touch throughout the blooming period.

Pruning Tips

These plants bloom on new growth each year, so you should wait until the foliage turns brown and goes dormant in late autumn or early winter to prune. Cut the entire clump down to about 2 inches above the ground using sharp shears. Think of this like a seasonal clean-up that prevents pests from overwintering in the dead leaves and clears the way for fresh green spears in the spring.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer early in the spring just as the first green tips emerge from the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages soft, leafy growth that is easily damaged by the first frost. A single application in spring provides all the energy the plant needs to power through its heavy blooming cycle.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Clay Tolerant, Wet Soils, Slopes/Erosion Control, Attracts pollinators, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	2-3 ft
Width	24-26 ft
Watering Needs	High
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Blue, Purple, Yellow
Foliage Color	Green, Variegated
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Iris
Botanical Name	Iris siberica 'Ruffled Velvet'
Species	siberica
Cultivar	Ruffled Velvet
Class	Asparagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

An absolutely stunning late spring bloomer! As you know, true blue flowers are very rare. This is one of the closest blues we've seen - a true, clear deep purple-blue. What a beauty! This variety features velvety petals with a romantic ruffled edge and contrasting yellow highlights.

The gorgeous Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris (Iris siberica 'Ruffled Velvet') are such elegant flowers. Lean and sword-shaped strappy leaves are paired with a knock-out supermodel of a flower! Each spring, your landscape would be an exquisite experience for you and your guests. Many of your guests will be the winged kind as fluttering bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds arrive to sip nectar!

Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9 and are fast-growing garden gems growing up to 3 feet in height and around 2 feet wide. Loving moisture and sun, Iris are seldom bothered by Deer and rabbits and are generally pest and disease-free!

Planting and Application:

Be bold in using these plants in your yard. This is the kind of plant that makes gardening fun. This color draws your eye, so we suggest amplifying your existing focal points. An example of this would be to plant them at the base of a special sculpture in your landscape. Using these special flowers will only enhance the effect of the artwork.

Iris will naturalize into their space, although you'll always want more of them. Massing multiple plants grouped together is the best way to use them, although we do have several ideas for you to consider in terms of placement. Use these ideas as jumping-off points for your personal style.

Because the color resembles deep water, why not consider planting a drift, using multiple plants along a path to mimic the flow of water? They tolerate moist soil, so why not plant them in the splash zone of a bubbler fountain, Rain Garden, or the edge of a pond? Include special collected rocks and let them shine in this special setting.

Plant a long, thin border of these around spring-flowering shrubs. You'll love the layered look of this fabulous edging plant. The color will work beautifully with purple, yellow, and blue flowers!

Try as a 'Thriller' in springtime container gardens. You'll love using these in your cut flower arrangements. Any way you use this beautiful plant, its sophisticated grace will delight you!

Impressive Deep Blue/Royal Purple Fragrant Blooms
Beautiful Strappy Upright Sword-Like Foliage
Clump Forming Spring Flowering Perennial
Pollinator Magnet & Gorgeous Ruffled Cut Flowers
Sun Gardens, Wetlands, Pollinator Gardens, Groupings & Containers

#ProPlantTips For Care

These perennial Iris need full sun to flower best. Any well-drained soil type with moderate to high moisture is perfect for Siberian Iris and in average garden conditions, add a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and protect the roots.

Deadhead the flowers as they fade and trim back the foliage in the autumn. Every 3-5 years, divide the clumps and rearrange the rhizomes to keep them in tight formation and to prevent them from being buried too deeply, preferring to be planted more shallowly in the ground.

When planting or transplanting Iris plants, the top 1/3 of each rhizome should be exposed to light and air, and just 2/3 of it should be below ground for best results. For the winter, loosely cover your Iris in a layer of clean leaves, straw or compost, pulling it away in the spring.

Full Sun Perennials
Loves High to Average Moisture
Well-Drained Rich Soil
Deadhead After Flowers Fade & Trim Stems in Late Autumn
Deer & Rabbit-Resistant

Order several of these bold and frilly Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris today at Nature Hills Nursery and transform your landscape into a spring spectacle!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones are suitable for Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris and how cold hardy is it?

Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris thrives in USDA zones 4-9, making it hardy to temperatures as low as -30°F. This perennial handles cold winters exceptionally well and reliably returns each spring. Plant in fall or early spring for best establishment.

Does Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for best blooming. These hardy perennials (zones 4-9) tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates. Plant in consistently moist, well-draining soil for optimal performance.

How often should I water my Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris and does it tolerate wet conditions?

Siberian Iris thrives in consistently moist soil and tolerates wet conditions exceptionally well. This makes it perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, or fountain splash zones. Water regularly during dry spells, but avoid letting soil completely dry out between waterings.

What ongoing care and maintenance does this iris require throughout the growing season?

Siberian iris are remarkably low-maintenance perennials that thrive in zones 4-9 with minimal care. Keep soil consistently moist and provide full sun for best blooms. Deadhead spent flowers after the late spring bloom period and divide clumps every 3-4 years.

How quickly does Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris establish and reach its mature size?

Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris is fast-growing and typically reaches its full 3-foot height within 2-3 seasons. These hardy perennials establish quickly in zones 4-9 and begin naturalizing into their space right away. Plant in spring for best establishment, available at naturehills.com.

When does this iris bloom and how long do the flowers last?

Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris blooms in late spring with flowers that typically last 2-3 weeks. Each clump produces multiple flower stalks that open sequentially, extending the blooming period. For best display, plant in groups since the deep purple-blue color creates stunning focal points in zones 4-9.

Is Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris deer resistant or will I need to protect it from wildlife?

Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris is naturally deer and rabbit resistant, so you won't need protective measures. These hardy perennials are generally pest and disease-free throughout zones 4-9. Plant them confidently in open areas where deer browse.

Ruffled Velvet Siberian Iris

Iris siberica 'Ruffled Velvet'