Iris versicolor 'Purple Flame' - Blue Flag cultivar

Iris versicolor 'Purple Flame' - Blue Flag cultivarSizes available: #1 (Trade gallon) Basics: zones 4 7, 24 36" x 18 24", full sun to light shade, foliage emerges purple and as it elongates and matures turns greener, but streaked with purple at the base, medium violet blue bloom in early summer, likes consistently moist to wet feet and can grow in shallow standing water. Common names: Blue Flag Iris selection Family: Iridaceae Origin Distribution: This is a selected variety of our native Blue Flag,

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 4-7, 24-36" x 18-24", full sun to light shade, foliage emerges purple and as it elongates and matures turns greener, but streaked with purple at the base, medium violet-blue bloom in early summer, likes consistently moist to wet feet and can grow in shallow standing water. 

Common names: Blue Flag Iris selection

Family: Iridaceae

Origin/Distribution: This is a selected variety of our native Blue Flag, Iris versicolor. The initial plant with showy, purple, emergent foliage was spotted in a stand of Blue Flag at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware.

Habitat: Found in damp to wet habitats: low spots in field, wet ditches, the edges of rivers, stream, ponds, lakes, marsh, and so on.

More: The emergent foliage looks stunning with spring bulbs, the sword-like leaves add a different texture to mixed borders and, despite being a wetland plant, 'Purple Flame' will do well in a garden border with consistent moisture. Like the species, 'Purple Flame' is toxic, both through ingestion and potentially through contact, so handle with care. I think the foliage might be good in floral arrangements. The flower, too if picked at the right time.

Source: Van Berkum

Image credits: Honey Petal Plants, close-up of flower; Mt. Cuba Center, example of leaf color