Iris versicolor 'Purple Flame'

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.