ForbNative
Iris versicolor
Native Iris
‘Purple Flame’
Native Iris (Iris versicolor), also known as Harlequin Blueflag, is a perennial plant that typically grows 24-36 inches tall and thrives in moist to wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens and wetland edges. It prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, though flowering is best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. The plant forms clumps with upright, sword-like leaves and produces striking blue to violet flowers in late spring to early summer. Native Iris requires consistently moist or wet soil and does not tolerate drought, making it well-suited for areas with high water availability or periodic flooding.
- Native range
- Northern United States & CanadaNative here
- Bloom time
- May – July
- Garden location
- West Driveway Bed