Description
Southern Blue Flag Iris (Iris virginica var. shrevei) is a striking native perennial with soft blue to violet blooms that appear from late spring into early summer. Don’t let the name fool you—this species is native well beyond the South, with a range that stretches through the Upper Midwest, across the eastern U.S., and into parts of Canada. It’s related to Northern Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) and Copper Iris (Iris fulva).
It typically grows 2–3 feet tall and spreads slowly by rhizomes, forming dense patches over time. The flowers feature a yellow blotch on the lower petal with subtle white and purple veining, helping distinguish it from Northern Blue Flag. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soils, though it can handle brief flooding and some summer dryness. A great choice for beautiful rain gardens, pond edges, and naturalized wet areas.
