Iris prismatica (Slender Blue Iris)

Iris prismatica (Slender Blue Iris) is a rhizomatous perennial forming a clump of long, narrow, grass-like leaves topped with slender-petaled flowers, up to 2-4 in. across (5-10 cm) from late spring to mid-summer. The blossoms feature pale blue to blue-violet flowers with falls adorned with a central white pattern. Native to the southern and eastern United States, Slender Blue Iris occurs naturally in bogs and marshes. It grows by sending out thin extension rhizomes that sprout and form new clumps of fans. Easy to grow, deer resistant, it tolerates the salty conditions of seaside gardens and prefers soil that is moist or only slightly submerged. Attractive to birds and hummingbirds, Slender Blue Iris is a good choice for bog gardens, near ponds and streams.

• Grows up to 12-36 in. tall (20-30 cm) and 12-36 in. wide (30-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in acidic, moist to wet soils. Tolerates some summer drought and occasional seasonal flooding. This iris plant should not be submerged to the bottom of the pond for overwintering but will last until spring quite well if simply left in place at the margin of the water garden.
• A welcomed addition to coastal gardens, bog gardens, and near streams or ponds, where it will provide excellent color contrast.
• Propagate by seed or by division. Sow seeds outside as soon as they are ripe. Seedlings will germinate in one year and flower in two.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Rhizomes and rootstocks are poisonous. Minor skin irritation when touched, low toxicity if ingested.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to the southern and eastern United States from Maine south to Alabama, as well as to the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia.