Southern blue flag typically starts flowering in May.
southern blue flag
Iris virginica 'Purple Fan'
The southern blue flag is a beautiful iris native to wetlands throughout the southeastern United States. Its dark lavender-blue flowers, with purple stripes, stand atop two to three foot tall spikes, creating a stunning, vertical display. The foliage is a pale-green, creating a beautiful contrast with the blooms in the spring and summer. Native Americans once used it for its medicinal purposes, and it can be found naturalizing in wetland areas. Although frost is thought to damage the blooms, southern blue flag will usually return year after year. A lovely addition to any garden.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
Lavender-blue Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,purple
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Southern blue flag (Iris virginica 'Purple Fan') should be watered approximately once per week. The amount of water should be slightly more than enough to keep the soil moist but not saturated. During hot, dry weather the plant may require additional water. Soil should be monitored, and, if dry, water should be added until moist for optimal growth. In extreme conditions, it may even require daily watering, but this is usually not necessary. Once well established (about a month after planting) it can usually tolerate occasional dry spells.
sunlight
Southern Blue Flag plants should be grown in direct sunlight for approximately 4-6 hours per day. They grow best in sunny areas, but will tolerate part shade. They should be planted in well-drained soil and can even grow in shallow or standing water. This species of Iris grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-10.
pruning
Southern blue flag requires pruning twice yearly; once in the early spring and once in the late summer. In the early spring, prune any dead foliage, as well as to shape the plant as desired. In the late summer, cut back the foliage to the ground. This will encourage a stronger root system and better blooming the following spring. Prune to a height of approximately 10-14 inches. Deadheading (removal of spent blooms) throughout the growing season may also be beneficial.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
