Southern Blue Flag Iris Iris virginica
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-riss vir-JIN-ih-kuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Southern blue flag iris is a lovely, delicate iris native to the United States and Canada, from the east coast to the middle states as far west as Texas. The genus name Iris is named after the Greek Goddess of rainbows and the species name refers to the state of Virginia where it is found. The common name, "flag", comes from an old English word (flagge) for reeds and refers to its natural preference to wetlands.
Reaching a height of 2 to 2.5 feet clumps of bright green, somewhat droopy, strap shaped leaves are topped with light blue to violet flowers borne on naked stems in late spring. The falls are marked with white and can be crested with yellow frill.
It does best grown in moist to very wet, humusy to sandy soil and in boggy acidic areas in full sun. Growing even in 6 inches of fresh standing water, it should not be permitted to dry out during the growing season. These iris may be left in water over winter and can be used in pond borders of up to 6 inches deep. It will tolerate light shade in the warmer regions of its range. Southern flag iris spreads slowly by rhizomes which can be divided for propagation as clumps form. This iris is deer resistant.
Mass plant this native along a pond margin, water garden, rain garden, or other low lying damp area of the landscape.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Watch for snails and slugs
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Water Garden in Cabarrus County
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Iris x robusta Dark Aura'
Hybrid between Iris versicolor and Iris virginica
- 'Iris x robusta Dark Aura'
- 'Iris x robusta Dark Aura'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Iris x robusta Dark Aura'
Hybrid between Iris versicolor and Iris virginica
- 'Iris x robusta Dark Aura'
- 'Iris x robusta Dark Aura'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- virginica
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern Canada to Central & Eastern U.S.A
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Poisonous
- Water Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Moist
- Occasional Flooding
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Displays from July to September.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Irregular
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- 1 at the top of a naked stem, 6-parted with 3 outer, spreading or pendent "falls" with white marks and yellow crests, and 3 inner, erect "standards", variously colored light blue to violet. Blooms for 2-3 weeks in late spring.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Strap-like and have a pronounced midrib in the center are not as upright; they may lay over or fall into the water.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Riparian
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Rain Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Diseases
- Wet Soil
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, elevated temperature following ingestion; skin irritation upon contact with seeds, rootstock, or cell sap.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- irisin, iridin, or irisine
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
