Iris virginica var. shrevei
Southern Blue Flag
Image Credit: American Meadows
Height: 36″

“Behold the blooms of the Southern Blue Flag Iris, ranging from pale to deep purple, each with delicate veining and a bold yellow blaze. Curved petals make perfect landing pads for bumblebees, its main pollinator, and the easy-to-spot pattern attracts butterflies, too. This moisture-loving resilient native species is rain garden approved. Gorgeous blooms appear in late spring, crowning bright green clumping foliage that shoots outward from rhizomes and forms dense, impressive stands.” American Meadows

Image Credit: Everwilde Farm

The Southern Blue Flag is very similar to its shorter cousin: Iris versicolor.

Iris Blue Flag
Iris versicolor
Image Credit: American Meadows
Height: 24″ – 30″

“The gorgeous blooms of Blue Flag Iris are a delight in the spring garden. This robust native perennial’s brilliant blue-violet flowers open early to mid-spring atop sturdy stems, while the arching blue-green foliage adds texture. Watch for bumblebees and long-horned bees on the blooms, as well as the occasional butterfly or hummingbird. Plants can grow in standing water, and perform well in average to wet garden soil. (Iris versicolor)” American Meadows

Copper Iris
Iris fulva
Image Credit: American Meadows
Height: 24″ – 30″

“The showy hues of distinctive Copper Iris flowers include shades of dark apricot, brick red, and bronze. Each flower features six drooping petals that emerge from a tall, slender stalk over a fan of swordlike foliage. This native Iris species thrives in swamps, marshes, and wet meadows, beautifully suitable for rain gardens. This resilient wildflower thrives in clay soils, and can tolerate 6 inches of standing water as well as short periods of drought.” American Meadows