IRIS VERSICOLOR

IRIS VERSICOLOR
Grower Notes:

Iris versicolor is also known as Harlequin Blueflag Iris. It is a resilient and beautiful North American native perennial prized for its ability to thrive in very moist to wet environments, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and boggy areas. It forms dense, architectural clumps of upright, sword-shaped, blue-green foliage that maintains interest throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, it produces striking flowers on tall stalks, typically reaching 2 to 3 feet in height. The blossoms are a classic iris shape, featuring falls in shades of bluish-purple to violet-blue, conspicuously marked with a central yellow or white blotch surrounded by bold, dark purple veining. This combination of vibrant color and an elegant form makes it a focal point in any moisture-rich landscape.

Iris versicolor is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow Iris that requires minimal attention once established. It performs best in full sun to part shade and prefers acidic, rich, and consistently moist soil, tolerating up to 4 inches of standing water. Extremely cold-hardy (USDA Zones 3-9), it is also notably deer and rabbit resistant. It also provides valuable ecological support, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. To maintain its vigor and encourage continuous, abundant blooming, clumps should be divided every few years in the late summer or early fall.