Iris 'Swans in Flight'

Iris 'Swans in Flight': Poised and Pure in Motion

Graceful and commanding, Iris 'Swans in Flight' glides through the late spring garden with luminous white blooms that seem to float above the foliage. Wide, ruffled petals and elegant form give this Siberian iris a sense of lightness and movement, while its clean, snow-white colouring adds clarity and calm to the border.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–100 cm
• Spread: 50–60 cm, forming arching clumps
• Flower Colour: Crisp white with a subtle yellow flush at the base
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Narrow, sword-like green leaves with a softly arching habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; thrives in rich, evenly watered conditions

Uses and Benefits: Iris 'Swans in Flight' is ideal for brightening mixed borders, water-side plantings, or meadow-style beds where its statuesque form and pure colouring offer elegance and structure. Its white flowers act as visual highlights among more saturated tones and are particularly striking when massed or repeated. Foliage remains attractive after bloom, contributing to season-long interest.

Companion Plants: Complement Iris 'Swans in Flight' with the graceful tufts of Molinia 'Variegata', whose variegated blades provide movement and a subtle echo of the iris’s white glow. Pair with Phlox 'Backlight' to enhance the soft palette and overlap the flowering window. Add Gillenia trifoliata for delicate starry flowers and lacy foliage that contribute an airy, wild elegance.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during hot spells. Cut back flower stalks after bloom and remove any tired foliage in fall. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to encourage continued performance.

History: Iris 'Swans in Flight' is an award-winning Siberian iris introduced by Schafer/Sacks in 2006. Known for its exceptional flower size, luminosity, and vigour, it received the prestigious Morgan-Wood Medal from the American Iris Society in 2015.

Final Thoughts: With its snow-white flowers and elegant habit, Iris 'Swans in Flight' brings light, poise, and quiet drama to gardens seeking structure with softness and serene impact.