Iris versicolor

Iris versicolor (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer

Soil: Wet, poorly drained

Eventual Height: 80cm

Eventual Spread: 80cm

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Iridaceae

Iris versicolor is a deciduous, erect, herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are lanceolate with entire margins and gradually narrowing to a point, up to 60cm long and 3cm broad at their base. Its light blue to deep purple hermaphrodite flowers are up to 8cm across, emerge from a branched stem which emerges from the base of the leaf cluster. Its fruit is a loculicidal capsule. Its roots are rhizomes which allow this plant to spread slowly.

Iris versicolor Flower (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Iris versicolor, commonly known as the Blue Flag Iris, Harlequin Blueflag Iris, Larger Blue Flag Iris or Northern Blue Flag Iris, is native to North America. In its native habitat it grows in sedge meadows, marshes, and along stream banks.

The etymological root of the binomial name Iris is derived from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. Versicolor is derived from the Latin meaning ‘changeable in colour’.

Iris versicolor Leaf (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Iris versicolor useful as an effective spreading ground cover plant with attractive flowers suitable for wet soils. This perennial is suitable for rain gardens.

Ecologically, Iris versicolor flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Iris versicolor prefers wet, humus rich, poorly drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil. It will tolerate planting in water to a depth of 10cm.

Iris versicolor requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in mid summer to early autumn.