Iris Versicolor
Harlequin Blueflag
Iris versicolor — commonly called blue flag iris — is a native moisture-loving perennial valued for its violet-blue to purple flowers with yellow, white, and violet veining on the falls, blooming in late spring to early summer above upright sword-like green foliage. It naturally occurs in wetlands, along streambanks, and in moist meadows, where it forms attractive clumps and provides strong vertical interest.
Type: Perennial
Mature Size:
Width: 18–24 in.
Height: 24–36 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 meadows, naturalized plantings, and shoreline stabilization. Native habitat value makes it especially useful in pollinator and ecological gardens.
Care: Plant in consistently moist soil or shallow water. Divide clumps every few years in early spring or late summer if needed to maintain vigor. Remove spent flower stalks after bloom and cut back foliage in late fall if desired.
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1'-3'
- Width
- 2'-4'
- Hardiness zones
- 3–9
- Sunlight
- Full Sun
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Bloom time
- Early Summer, Late Spring
- Flower color
- Light Yellow, Slate Blue
- Leaf color
- Green
- Fall color
- Green, Yellow Green
- Attracts
- Butterflies
- Soil
- Acidic, Clay, Moist well-drained, Rich, Wet Area
- Landscape use
- Accent Plant, Mass Planting, Water Garden
- Shape
- Clump, Upright
- Fragrant
- Yes
- Deer resistant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No