Iris versicolor

About this cultivar:

Iris versicolor is a rhizomatous perennial with narrow, erect foliage and branched stems bearing several bluish-purple flowers, the falls with a conspicuously veined white basal patch.

Commonly called northern blue flag, is a marginal aquatic plant that is native to marshes, swamps, wet meadows, ditches and shorelines in North America. Clumps spread slowly by tough, creeping rhizomes. Northern blue flag thrives in wetland habitats frequented by rushes and sedges (the 'flag' part of the common name comes from the middle English word flagge meaning rush or reed).

Specific epithet means having various colours. It is also quite versi-tile (groan)...as it doesn't always need water and manages in moderately moist soils.

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Almost any soil, but not wet
• Flowers: May, June
• Other features: Cut Flowers or Dried Flowers
• Hardiness: H7 - Hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20°C), Fully hardy
• Habit: Clump forming
• Foliage: Deciduous
• Height: 60 - 90 cm (2 - 3 ft)
• Spread: 60 - 90 cm (2 - 3 ft)
• Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
• Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Colour: Green, blue, purple
• Goes well with: Hosta, Hemerocallis, Geranium

About this genus:

Iris (i-ris) is a genus of 260–300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. As well as being the scientific name, Iris is also used as a common name. Long in cultivation there seem to be as many cultivars as plants. Culturally the genus has had quite an impact. The fleur-de-lis, a stylized Iris, first occurs in its modern use as the emblem of the House of Capet (rulers of France 987 to 1328). It is also the universal symbol for Scouting. Many artists have a 'thing' with Iris, not least Van Gogh- who was a fan of Iris (not just sunflowers).... see images opposite!

As a group, Iris species can range from drought-tolerant dry land perennials to bog dwellers and from sun to shade, so there is no set of cultivation rules for the genus as a whole. In general though the cultivars we have in our garden (and sell), are tough, low maintenance plants perfect for wet gardens and similar sites.

Try pairing irises in the garden with Hosta, Hemerocallis, Geranium. They also look great as a cut-flower; the reason you don't get them in florists is that they don't transport well.