Iris Versicolor 'Gerald Darby'

Iris-Siberian

Iris versicolor ‘Gerald Darby’ — commonly called blue flag iris — is a distinctive moisture-loving perennial valued for its violet-blue flowers with yellow and white markings that bloom in late spring to early summer above striking purple-flushed stems and emerging foliage. As the season progresses, the foliage matures to green while retaining strong upright texture, making it attractive even when out of bloom.

Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
Width: 18–24 in.
Height: 30–36 in.

USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Upright, clumping

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist to wet, acidic to neutral soil; tolerates clay and shallow standing water

Water: Medium to wet; thrives in consistently moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for rain gardens, pond edges, wet borders, and naturalized plantings. The purple-tinted foliage and stems provide added ornamental interest before flowering.

Care: Plant in consistently moist soil or shallow water for best performance. Divide clumps every few years in early spring or late summer to maintain vigor. Remove spent flower stalks after bloom and cut back foliage in late fall if desired.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

30-36''

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Early Summer

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Tolerant of Clay, Wet Area

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Mass Planting, Water Garden

Shape

Clumping, Upright

Drought tolerant

No