1 / 3

Key characteristics

Family: Iridaceae
Height: 24 to 36 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Flower color: Blue to purple with yellow and white markings
Foliage color: Bluish-green, sword-shaped leaves
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moist to wet soil; tolerates shallow standing water
Maintenance: Low; remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts bees and hummingbirds

Perennials

Iris versicolor

Northern Blue Flag Iris

Iris versicolor features beautiful blue to purple flowers with intricate yellow and white markings. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this native iris adds color to moist, wetland areas, rain gardens, and naturalized settings. Its elegant blossoms are complemented by upright, sword-like foliage, which maintains its visual appeal after the flowers fade.

Originating from northeastern and north-central United States, Iris versicolor thrives in moist, well-drained soils, often found along streams, ponds, and marshes.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moist to wet soil; tolerates shallow standing water

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.