- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 24 - 36 Inches
- Mature Spread 24 - 36 Inches
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Flag Iris make a great addition to any damp, boggy area in the garden. Northern Blue Flag Iris sports blue-purple flowers and lovely green sword-like leaves that give structure to a wildlife planting. The white striped landing strip of the sepals helps attract pollinators and other beneficial insects. Iris versicolor is native to eastern area of North America. Unlike the Yellow Flag Iris, this one is well behaved and worthy of inviting next to your pond.
Wildlife use this native Iris not only for energy from its nectar, but as a sheltered spot to rest or hide in the pond. Flag Iris is also a useful plant to include in Rain Gardens. Depending on the design, Iris versicolor could be planted in the center (zone 1) or on the still boggy and seasonally dry (zone 2) edges. Once established, these lovely blue bloomers are very maintenance and trouble free.
Northern Blue Flag Iris Care
This semi evergreen perennial really likes to have wet feet but a sunny face. The edge of a pond is ideal, but any mostly damp location will work. This Iris is not particular about the soil pH or texture. Heavy clay soil or sandy loam soil is fine because the plant will adapt to many soil conditions. Native plants do not generally need supplemental fertilizing to perform at their best. Dividing Iris versicolor after 2-3 years is the best way to keep it blooming.
Blue Flag Iris blooms from late spring until mid-summer and sets vivid orange berries. These bloom heads can be left on the plant to provide food for birds through the winter. The seeds will easily germinate for propagation. Dividing the rhizomes is another easy way to spread Blue Flag Iris.
Northern Blue Flag Iris Spacing
Blue Flag Iris looks best when it is planted in a large group. The height is a modest 24-36 inches, while the width of each plant is narrow at 18-24 inches. Spacing each rhizome at 12-18 inches, center on center, will help Flag Iris fill in an area quickly.
Northern Blue Flag Iris Versicolor Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 24 - 36 Inches |
Mature Spread: 18 - 24 Inches |
Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches |
Habit: Clumping |
Flower Color(s): Blue |
Flower Description: Bluish-Purple |
Bloom Period: Early June to Mid To Late July |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Consistent |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Wetland Areas & Ponds, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Northern Blue Flag Iris Versicolor |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: IRIS VERSICOLOR |
- SKU:
- 1231000386-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.