Iris virginica shrevei, Southern Blue Flag Iris, usually grows in large patches that expand outward from rhizomes. It is 2’-3’ high with the leaves on the flower stem growing slightly taller than the flower. Bloom time is from late spring to early summer. The bloom color is somewhat variable but is most often a medium to pale blue violet. There is a yellow blotch on the lower sepal where it joins a small upper lip; a mark that helps to distinguish the flower from those of Iris versicolor, Northern Blue Flag Iris.

Below the yellow blotch, white and purple veined nectar guide lines fade to solid violet on the bottom edge. When the seed is close to maturity the weight of the pods will sometimes pull the stalk over to the ground where they will finish ripening and eventually split to drop the mature large brown seeds.

Southern Blue Flag Iris prefers full sun to part shade and will not bloom well if it has more shade then sun. It grows best in moist soils that are not too heavy but will tolerate some brief flooding early in the season and moderate dryness in late summer.

Other common names in use include: Shreve's Iris

Seeds / Packet: 50
Seeds / Ounce: 1,000

Dormant bare root plants ship each year during optimal transplanting seasons: Spring (April - May) and Fall (October). 

Potted plants come in a tray of 38 plants and ship late May through late July.  If you prefer to mix and match up to 4 species in a tray (at no additional charge), click here for the 'Mix and Match' tray option.