Articles

Rain Garden Plants: Blue Flag Iris

An informative guide with details and pictures of blue flag iris (Iris versicolor).
Updated:
June 23, 2026

Blue flag's swordlike leaves emerge from thick, horizontal rootstock (corm), which is covered with fibrous roots. Flowering stalks produce three to five showy flowers. Minor skin irritation can occur upon contact with seeds or cell sap. Attracts hummingbirds. Foliage is unpalatable to deer and other herbivores.

  • Height: 24 to 30 inches
  • Bloom color: Blue, purple
  • Bloom time: May to June
  • Hardiness zones: 4 to 9
  • Salt tolerance: Moderate
  • Spreading habit: Spreads by self-seeding and extension of rhizomes
Blue flag iris blossom
Blue flag iris. Photo credit: Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension
Sword-like leaves.
Leaves. Photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension

Site Conditions

  • Sun: Sun/partial shade
  • Soil: Organic, acidic (pH < 6.8)
  • Hydrologic zones: Wet/moist, 0 to 6 inches, can tolerate complete submergence
Plant blooming in a rain garden.
Blue flag irises blooming in a rain garden. Photo by Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension
Seed pod of blue flag iris
Seed pod. Photo Credit: Sandy Ulrich, York County Master Gardener

Source

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Prepared by Jessica Chou, Jodi Sulpizio, and Constance Schmotzer.