southern blue flag
Iris virginica
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall1 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Violet blue with yellow and white crested falls
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Southern blue flag (Iris virginica) is a perennial for rain gardens, naturalized areas, meadows, and borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows about 3 feet tall, and its bright green leaves often lie on the ground or water. Its violet blue flowers have yellow and white crested falls and are fragrant. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with Swamp milkweed, Big bluestem, and Ostrich fern.
Native range
United States.