Alphabetical Plant Listing

Iris virginica (Southern Blue Flag)

Virginia Iris, Great Blue Flag, Southern Blue Flag


A southern wetland species, Iris virginica (Southern Blue Flag) is a rhizomatous perennial forming a dense and impressive clump of sword-shaped, bright green leaves that often lie on the ground or water. Tall stems rise from the clump in late spring to early summer, each of them boasting 2-3 violet-blue flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm). The falls feature a conspicuously veined white basal patch and a yellow blotch. The blossoms give way to fat green pods, about 2 in. long (5 cm). Very handsome, Southern Blue Flag is a central landscape plant for the water garden, near ponds and streams. This aquatic plant is also a lovely addition to moist borders.

  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm). Clumps will slowly spread by creeping rhizomes to form colonies.
  • Performs best in full sun in acidic, wet soils. This iris may be grown in up to 6 in. (15 cm) of shallow standing water. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer areas.
  • A welcomed addition for lily pools, bog gardens, rain gardens, naturalized in wetlands or along streams or ponds. May be grown in borders provided the soil is always kept moist.
  • Propagate by division in early fall when the leaves begin to turn yellow. If propagation is to be made by seed, sow when seeds are ripe (not stored dry).
  • Virtually pest and disease free. 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 coastal plains from Virginia to Texas.

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Iris - Other
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 30" – 36" (75cm – 90cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Iris - Other
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 30" – 36" (75cm – 90cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Iris - Other

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