Iris versicolor
blue flag
I. versicolor is a rhizomatous perennial to 80cm in height, with narrow, erect foliage and branched stems bearing several bluish-purple flowers 6-8cm in width, the falls with a conspicuously veined white basal patch
Other common names
Boston irisliver lily
see moreNorth American blue flag
particoloured iris
purple iris
snake lily
wild iris
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- Genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist to wet deep, humus-rich, acid soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by division from mid-summer to early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Can be defoliated by sawflies
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
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