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.






