Iris sibirica ‘Colonel Mustard’ – A Bright and Cheerful Addition to Your Garden
Iris sibirica ‘Colonel Mustard’ is a stunning Siberian iris variety that stands out with its vibrant, mustard-yellow flowers and graceful, narrow foliage. With its ruffled petals and elegant structure, ‘Colonel Mustard’ adds a sunny pop of color to any garden, especially in moist or woodland settings. The striking yellow blooms with subtle hints of golden orange provide a cheerful, warm contrast to the surrounding green foliage, making it a fantastic choice for borders, water gardens, or naturalized plantings.
Why Grow Iris sibirica ‘Colonel Mustard’?
- Vibrant Yellow Blooms – The bright mustard-yellow flowers, often accented with deeper golden hues, create a stunning contrast with the greenery in your garden.
- Elegant Flower Structure – The ruffled petals and graceful stems of ‘Colonel Mustard’ give this iris a soft yet bold presence, perfect for brightening up borders or naturalistic plantings.
- Moisture-Loving – This iris thrives in moist conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, beside ponds, or in areas with consistently moist soil.
- Hardy and Resilient – As a Siberian iris, ‘Colonel Mustard’ is tough and can tolerate a range of growing conditions, including cold winters and wet soil.
- Low Maintenance – Once established, this iris is easy to care for, returning reliably year after year with minimal upkeep.
Where to Site Your Iris sibirica ‘Colonel Mustard’ Iris ‘Colonel Mustard’ prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It does exceptionally well in areas with consistently moist soil, making it ideal for rain gardens, alongside ponds, or in boggy garden beds. Plant it in borders, meadow gardens, or any spot where its bright flowers can stand out against surrounding foliage. This iris also works well in naturalized settings, adding color to wildflower meadows or woodland gardens.
How to Grow and Care for Your Iris sibirica ‘Colonel Mustard’
- Soil – Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. ‘Colonel Mustard’ can tolerate wet soil conditions, so it's a great choice for areas prone to occasional flooding or in the vicinity of ponds.
- Light – Grows best in full sun, but can tolerate light shade. It will bloom best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Watering – This iris thrives in moist conditions, so be sure to keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during the growing season. However, avoid waterlogging, as this can cause root rot.
Maintenance:
- Mulch & Feed – Apply a layer of mulch in the spring to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool during warmer weather. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
- Dividing – Siberian irises like ‘Colonel Mustard’ benefit from being divided every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigorous growth. Divide in late summer or early fall after the blooming period.
- Deadheading & Cleanup – After blooming, deadhead the spent flowers to prevent seed formation and encourage a tidier appearance. Trim back any yellowing or damaged foliage in the fall to maintain the plant’s shape.
Perfect Plant Combinations Iris ‘Colonel Mustard’ pairs beautifully with other moisture-loving perennials like Astilbes, Ferns, or Ligularia for a lush, colorful display. Its bright yellow blooms contrast well with the deep greens of ferns or hostas, creating an eye-catching and dynamic planting. For a softer look, combine with light-colored daylilies or pale lavender varieties for a gentle yet striking effect. ‘Colonel Mustard’ also works well in combination with other irises, creating a lively border with a mix of contrasting colors and textures. For a more natural look, pair with native grasses or wildflowers for a charming, meadow-like setting.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
