Iris 'White Swirl'

Iris 'White Swirl': Whispers of Elegance in Motion

Softly swirling and perfectly poised, Iris 'White Swirl' graces the garden with large, creamy white blooms that dance above finely arching foliage. Each petal is slightly flared and ruffled, giving the impression of movement even in still air. A standout Siberian iris for adding brightness and calm to moist, sunlit spaces.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 85–100 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, upright and vase-shaped
• Flower Colour: Creamy white with a soft yellow glow at the base of the falls
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Narrow, grass-like green leaves, arching and refined
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adapts well to clay and loam with steady moisture

Uses and Benefits: Iris 'White Swirl' makes a luminous addition to perennial borders, streamside plantings, and naturalized drifts. Its large flowers and upright habit lend vertical grace, while its neutral colour blends seamlessly with both pastel and bold plantings. Particularly effective when repeated or planted in groups for a cohesive, glowing display.

Companion Plants: Pair Iris 'White Swirl' with Trollius 'Golden Queen', whose bright, globe-like blooms offer cheerful contrast in similarly moist, sunny sites. Add Sesleria 'Autumn Moor Grass' for fine-textured foliage that complements the iris’s upright form. Finish with Phlox 'Backlight', which mirrors the creamy white tones in a fragrant, floriferous low layer.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in consistently moist, well-drained soil. Water during dry periods, especially in summer. Cut back spent stalks after bloom and tidy foliage in fall. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour and flowering.

History: Iris 'White Swirl' is a classic Siberian iris introduced by Morgan and Rich in 1963. Loved for its large, swirling white blooms and adaptability to garden conditions, it remains a benchmark cultivar for elegance, performance, and longevity in both formal and naturalistic settings.

Final Thoughts: Like a soft breeze through silk, Iris 'White Swirl' adds poise and purity to the garden—an enduring favourite for brightening moist, sunlit borders with classic charm.