Product Details
An extraordinary native strain of Blue Flag introduced by Mt. Cuba Center in 2020, Iris versicolor ‘Purple Flame’ surprisingly shares the purple tones of its graceful flowers with its emerging, early spring foliage. The pointed, aubergine-tinged leaves, eventually changing to green as the weather warms, are reason enough to love this Iris. In late spring and early summer, the show turns to the blue-violet blooms borne upon handsome dark stems. Beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds, the flowers exhibit golden signals upon their falls, which serve as nectar guides for bumblebees and other native bees that also pollinate this Iris. The clump-forming plants, which are especially effective planted en masse, tolerate wet soils such as those found at the edge of ponds.
The Iris genus is named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and it’s easy to see why. These brilliantly colored, spring-flowering perennials are part of a huge plant family that contains upwards of 300 species. Iris range from timid and inconspicuous wildlings to the splendid and extravagant Tall Bearded Iris, which create striking vertical highlights in the late spring border. The chosen habitats of Iris range from standing water to formal borders, and there is scarcely a color or combination of colors that can't be found. Iris plants are fairly indestructible. They thrive in most parts of the country and are largely critter resistant. Adding to their appeal, they are magnets for hummingbirds and other pollinators. Plant a variety and enjoy a rainbow of colors that will return year after year in your garden.
For more information on growing Iris, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
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Growing guide
Light/Watering: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the best flowering, while partial shade is suitable in warmer climates. Requires consistently moist to wet soil, ideal for areas with high water retention like pond edges or marshy spots. Can tolerate short periods of standing water, making it suitable for rain gardens and wetlands.
Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Generally low-maintenance with minimal fertilization needs. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can enhance growth and bloom production but is usually optional in rich soil. Prefers wet, clayey, or loamy soils with good moisture retention. Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) is ideal, though it can tolerate mildly acidic conditions. Avoid very alkaline soils, as they may inhibit growth.
Pests/Diseases: Typically pest-resistant. Occasional issues with iris borers can occur, though less common in very wet environments. Generally resistant to most diseases. Fungal issues, like leaf spot or root rot, may occur in poorly drained, stagnant conditions but are uncommon if soil is consistently moist rather than waterlogged.
Reflowering: Iris versicolor typically does not reflower within the same growing season. It has one primary bloom period, usually in late spring to early summer.
Reblooming: It is not considered a reblooming species, so it will usually flower just once per season.
Dividing/Transplanting: Should be divided every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. Division is best done in early fall after flowering or in very early spring, just as growth resumes. Easily transplanted by digging up and replanting rhizomes in new locations with similar moist or boggy soil conditions.
End-of-Season Care: After the growing season, cut back foliage to a few inches above the ground to prevent fungal issues over winter. Mulching in late fall can help insulate roots in colder climates.
Companions: Suitable companions include other moisture-loving plants like Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold), Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower), Carex species (Sedges), and Juncus (Rushes). These plants thrive in similar wet, boggy conditions and can add a variety of colors and textures.
