photo of Iris versicolor

Iris versicolor

Blue Flag

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Blue Flag is a native iris with attractive sword-shaped, blue-green leaves. Bluish-purple flowers with yellow markings bloom on tall, sturdy...

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Description:

Blue Flag is a native iris with attractive sword-shaped, blue-green leaves. Bluish-purple flowers with yellow markings bloom on tall, sturdy stalks, May-June. Blue Flag spreads by rhizomes (underground stems); the rhizomes can sometimes cause minor skin irritation when touched. It will tolerate a couple of inches of shallow standing water. Use in mass plantings in wet areas; good choice for rain gardens, water gardens, or pond borders.

Plant Details:

Other Common Names: Harlequin Blueflag, Northern Blueflag

Plant Type: Flower, Perennial

New Jersey Native: Yes

Bloom Times: Late Spring to Early Summer

Bloom Colors: Blue, Purple

Deer Resistance: High

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Hummingbirds, Birds

Salt Tolerance: Medium

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ

Grows in Special Ecoregions: Pinelands

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Clay

Soil Moisture: Moist, Wet

Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Full Sun

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Moist, Wet

Drought Tolerance: None

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 2 - 2.5 ft

Spread: 2 - 2.5 ft

Growth Rate: Slow