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Botanical name: Iris virginica
A wetland variety, featuring non-fragrant, violet-blue and white flowers with golden signals; an excellent pondside plant, that will also thrive beautifully in a consistently watered garden; quite easy to grow.
Other names: Southern Blueflag Iris
| Hardiness zone | 4b |
|---|---|
| Flower color | violet |
| Foliage type | deciduous * |
| Plant form | over mound |
| Mature height | 3 feet |
| Spread | 30 inches |
| Light requirements | full sun to partial shade |
| Moisture requirements | average to wet |
| Plant origin | North American native |
* deciduous = loses leaves in winter
Southern Blue Flag Iris has masses of beautiful violet flag-like flowers with white overtones and a gold flare at the ends of the stems in late spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its sword-like leaves remain green in color throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
Southern Blue Flag Iris is an herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Southern Blue Flag Iris is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Water Gardens, Bog Gardens
Southern Blue Flag Iris will grow to be about 30 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 24 inches apart. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.
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