Saxapahaw, NC

The Flower of Carolina

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  • Product Info

    Purple Flame Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
    Iris Family

    Purple Flame is a striking cultivar of the native Blue Flag Iris. Its new spring leaves emerge in a dramatic, deep purple hue, creating a bold visual statement before maturing to a rich green as the season progresses. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces purple-blue flowers with intricate, contrasting veins. 

    This iris is well-suited for wetland areas, rain gardens, and pond edges, where it thrives in consistently moist to wet soils. While it is highly tolerant of wet conditions, it can also withstand occasional drought once established. Planting ‘Purple Flame’ in full sun enhances both its foliage color and flower production, though it can adapt to partial shade.Discovered and introduced by the Mt. Cuba Center, ‘Purple Flame’ is a testament to the beauty of native plants.

    Blooms: Purple, 3-4 weeks, May-June
    Leaves: Long, blade-like leaves are a striking, deep purple in early
    Height: 2-3’
    Space: 2-3’
    Soil: Moist-Wet
    Exposure: Full sun-Part Sun-Part Shade
    Fauna: Bees, Hummingbirds, Flies, other small insects
    Seeds: 2” angled, oblong capsules hold several stacked seeds
    Deer Resistance: High
    Zone: 3-9
    Native Status: Northern US native (Maine south to Virginia, west to Minnesota)
    Provenance: Unknown, asexually produced