Northern Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)

Northern Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)

Northern Blue Flag Iris is a beautiful addition to ponds, rain gardens or consistently moist garden beds. In late spring to early summer, its striking violet-blue flowers emerge above fans of sword-like foliage, each bloom intricately marked with yellow, white, and purple veining. Even after flowering, the upright leaves provide great texture and architectural interest, making this a beautiful addition throughout the growing season.

Naturally found along wetlands, marshes, streambanks, and lake shores, Northern Blue Flag Iris thrives in soils that stay consistently moist or even shallow standing water. It spreads gradually by rhizomes to form attractive colonies without becoming aggressive.

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Medium to wet; tolerates saturated soils and shallow standing water
Height: 2–3 feet
Spread: 2–3 feet
Zones: 3–9
Bloom time: May through June

Wildlife Value
Northern Blue Flag Iris provides an early-season nectar source for native bees, bumble bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its dense foliage offers cover for frogs and other small wildlife around wetlands and ponds, while the rhizomes help stabilize soil and reduce erosion along shorelines. Deer and rabbits generally avoid it

Grows Alongside: Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra), Culver's root (Veronicastrum virginicum), Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum)