Overview
Iris versicolor is a clump forming aquatic in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Iris versicolor grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow and cottage and informal garden. It is native to N America.
About
Iris versicolor is a rhizomatous perennial that can reach up to 80 cm tall. It features slender, upright leaves and branching stems that support multiple bluish-purple blooms, each measuring 6 to 8 cm across. The lower petals display a distinct white patch with prominent veins.
About the genus
Iris can be classified as either rhizomatous or bulbous perennials. They feature slender leaves and upright stems that support flowers characterized by three broad, spreading or drooping fall petals alongside three upright, typically smaller, standard petals. These blooms typically appear in late winter, spring, or early summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris versicolor size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- N America
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris versicolor
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist to wet deep, humus-rich, acid soil in full sun. Suitable for pond edges and bog gardens. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division from mid-summer to early autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Iris versicolor?
Grow in moist to wet deep, humus-rich, acid soil in full sun. Suitable for pond edges and bog gardens. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Iris versicolor?
Iris versicolor prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris versicolor need?
Iris versicolor is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Iris versicolor?
No pruning required.
How big does Iris versicolor grow?
Iris versicolor reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Iris versicolor hardy in the UK?
Iris versicolor has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Iris versicolor?
Propagate by division from mid-summer to early autumn.
Is Iris versicolor toxic?
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.