Iris 'How Audacious' Siberian Iris
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, deer-resistant summer color.
Discover the striking beauty of the Iris 'How Audacious' Siberian Iris, a standout perennial that brings vibrant color to your garden. This variety boasts large, ruffled blooms in shades of reddish- and blue-violet with delicate white veining and yellow centers, appearing from early to midsummer. Its narrow, grass-like foliage offers a pleasing blue-green hue that lasts into fall. Growing between 24 to 42 inches tall, it's perfect for borders, mass plantings, or as exquisite cut flowers. This cold-hardy plant thrives in moist, acidic soil but is adaptable once established, making it a versatile addition to any landscape.
$35.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+30%
Above average
Genus
Iris
/ Iris
Who it's for
- Landscapers designing rain gardens or waterside plantings
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic, high-impact focal point
- Low-maintenance enthusiasts wanting a reliable, long-lived perennial
Who should skip it
- Owners of heavily shaded or woodland garden spaces
- Gardeners prioritizing season-long floral color
- Impatient growers expecting immediate, full-scale results
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Ruffled, multi-colored blooms create a dramatic focal point in any garden.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of zones from three through nine.
Maintenance Ease
Once established, this hardy perennial requires minimal ongoing care.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer resistance protects your landscape investment from common garden visitors.
Floral Utility
Sturdy stems and striking colors make these ideal for indoor arrangements.
Seasonal Longevity
Attractive blue-green foliage maintains visual interest well into the autumn months.
Key Specs
Genus
Iris
Hardiness Zones
3 - 9
Mature Height
3.5 Feet
Mature Width
3 Feet
Bloom Start
Late Spring
Bloom End
Early Summer
Growth Habit
Ornamental Grass
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Features
- Striking bicolored blooms
- Drought tolerant once established
- Excellent for cut flower arrangements
- Deer resistant
- Long-lasting foliage color
- Award-winning variety
- Cold-hardy perennial
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the 'How Audacious' Siberian Iris, noting the plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive. The primary draw is the stunning, unique coloration, which reliably matches the catalog description. Reviewers frequently mention its impressive hardiness and ability to establish quickly, making it a reliable performer even in challenging garden conditions. While some note it takes a season or two to reach full bloom potential, the eventual display is considered well worth the wait, confirming its high value.
Know before you buy
This iris performs best in full sun to partial shade. While it can handle some shade, providing at least six hours of sunlight will ensure the most prolific blooming.
Since this variety reaches a mature width of approximately 3 feet, you should space them 3 feet apart on center to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Yes, this Siberian Iris is considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, the texture and taste of this iris are generally unappealing to browsing deer.
It prefers acidic soil for optimal health and color, but it is quite adaptable once established. If your soil is highly alkaline, you may consider amending it with organic matter or soil acidifiers.
The foliage remains an attractive blue-green color well into the fall, so you can leave it standing to provide structure to your garden. You can trim the foliage back to the ground in late autumn or early spring once it begins to yellow.
Absolutely. The 'How Audacious' Siberian Iris makes an excellent cut flower with sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms, making it a great choice for fresh seasonal bouquets.
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$36