Iris virginica var. shrevei
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Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: southern blue flag
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Iridaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Native Range: Eastern United States
Garden Location: Lucy and Stanley Lopata Prairie Garden
Height: 1.5 to 2 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: June
Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Description: Violet-blue with yellow and white crested
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Wet Soil, Deer
Uses: Cut Flower, Rain Garden, Water Plant

Culture

Grow in wet, boggy, slightly acidic soil in full sun.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This southern blue flag is a wetland species of iris which grows to 2' tall and features violet blue flowers with falls that are crested with yellow and white. Narrow, bright green leaves often lie on the ground or in water. Unlike the species, the flowers of var. shrevei are fragrant. This native Missouri plant is found in the wild throughout northern and central Missouri in open, swampy, wet ground such as bottom land prairie adjacent to rivers, wet meadows, marshes, ditches or areas along ponds or river sloughs. Rhizomes are poisonous.

Problems

No serious problems.

Garden Uses

Can be grown in water gardens or along ponds or streams, or in wet, low-lying areas of a naturalized garden or meadow. May also be grown in the border if soil and moisture requirements can be met.

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