Commonly known as Virginia Iris, Southern Blue Flag, Great Blue Flag, and Blue Flag Iris.
Native primarily to wetlands, marshes, lake sides, stream banks, and other moist, open areas in the eastern half of the United States and southern Canada. It typically grows to 2′ tall (less frequently to 3′) and features non-fragrant violet-blue flowers with falls that are crested with yellow and white. Flower color can vary considerably from very light blue to purple. Bright medium green, sword-shaped leaves often lie on the ground or in the water. Blooms in late spring.
Best grown in wet, boggy, acidic, sandy soils in full sun. Also does surprisingly well in average garden soils that are kept consistently moist, however best performance in the border will generally occur with sandy-humusy, water-retentive soils that are never allowed to dry out. The species is often found in the wild growing in standing water, and this cultivar may be grown in shallow water (up to 6 “). Tolerates light shade, particularly in the southern part of its growing range. Clumps will slowly spread by creeping rhizomes to form colonies in optimum growing conditions. Divide plants when overcrowding occurs.
Height: 1′-3′ Spread: 1′-3′ Bloom: May Light: Full Sun-Part Shade Water: High Zone: 5-9 Origin: Texas, Central and Eastern United States
