Iris virginica (Southern Blue Flag)

Iris virginica (Southern Blue Flag) is an upright, native, perennial wildflower that is typically found near wetlands or on creek or river margins in nature. Reaching a height of between two and three feet, southern blue flag forms clumps of bright green, somewhat droopy, grass-like foliage that produces singular, striking light blue to violet blooms with yellow accents atop naked stems in the late spring.

Iris virginica grows best in moist to very wet soils with good organic matter, and prefers full sun environments. Extremely tolerant of wet conditions, southern blue flag can even be left in low-lying wet areas through the winter without risk of hard freezes, and can be planted directly into standing water. This iris is also resistant to foraging from deer.

Although Iris virginica is native to the U.S., there are two subspecies with slightly different ranges. Iris virginica var. virginica has a slightly more southern range, whereas Iris virginica var. shrevei is slightly more northern.