Noted for its distinct upright habit and striking flowers, Iris versicolor (Blue Flag) is a rhizomatous perennial forming a clump of narrow, upright or gracefully recurving, sword-shaped, blue-green leaves. Branched stems rise from the clump in late spring to early summer, each of them boasting 3-5 bluish-purple flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), adorned with bold purple veining. The falls feature a conspicuously veined white basal patch and a yellow blotch. Very handsome in and out of bloom, Iris versicolor is a central landscape plant for the water garden, near ponds and streams. This marginal aquatic plant is also a lovely addition to moist borders.

• Grows up to 24-30 in. tall and wide (60-75 cm). Clumps will spread steadily over time to form colonies.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in acidic, moist to wet, humus-rich soils. This iris may be grown in up to 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) of shallow standing water.
• A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens, water gardens and near streams or ponds, where it will provide excellent color contrast.
• Propagate by division from mid-summer to early autumn.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for sawflies. Deer resistant.
• All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to the eastern United States.