Northern Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)

Description

Northern Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) has showy sword-like foliage and deep blue to purple flowers. While many non-native irises will only bloom in full sun, these native beauties will bloom in partial shade.  These perennial flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden while also providing a beautiful show of color. Blue Flag Iris is also great for swamps, wet meadows, ditches, shorelines, and rain gardens. Other common names include Harlequin Blue Flag, Northern Iris, and Wild Iris.

 

Light: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Moisture: Medium to Wet

Soil Type: Rich, Organic, Loamy soils

Soil pH: Acidic, around 6.5

Average Height: 2 – 4 Feet

Flowers: Striking blue to purple flowers with distinctive deep purple veins and a prominent yellow/white blotch at the base of the drooping sepals

Bloom Time: May – July

Native Region: Northeastern North America

Wildlife: Host plant for many pollinators, including the Virginia ctenucha moth

Additional Notes: Can tolerate clay, sand, peat soil types. Six or more hours of sun is best for blooming flowers.