Southern Blue Flag (Iris virginica var. shrevei) EYE-riss ver-JIN-ih-kah variety shrevei

Iris virginica var. shrevei, commonly known as Shreve's iris or Virginia iris, is a beautiful and hardy native iris variety found in the southeastern United States.

Foliage: This iris forms dense clumps of stiff, sword-shaped leaves that typically grow 12-24 inches tall.

Flowers: The showy, three-petaled flowers of Shreve's iris bloom in late spring to early summer. The upright "standards" and hanging "falls" come in shades of deep blue, purple, and violet, often with white or yellow accents.

Growth Habit: Iris virginica var. shrevei is a rhizomatous perennial that spreads slowly over time to form colonies. Mature clumps can reach 18-36 inches tall and wide.

Cultural Needs: This iris variety prefers full sun to partial shade and consistently moist, acidic to neutral soils. It is more tolerant of wet conditions compared to many other iris species.

Native Habitat: Iris virginica var. shrevei is native to wetland habitats, such as swamps, marshes, and stream banks, across the southeastern United States, including areas from Virginia to Louisiana.

Landscape Use: Shreve's iris makes an excellent choice for rain gardens, bog gardens, pond/stream edges, and other moisture-retentive areas in the landscape. It also works well in perennial borders and naturalized plantings.

Wildlife Value: The nectar-rich flowers of Shreve's iris attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The foliage and seeds also provide food and shelter for various wildlife species.

Overall, Iris virginica var. shrevei is a beautiful and adaptable native iris that thrives in consistently moist garden conditions. Its vibrant flowers and tolerance for wet soils make it a valuable addition to many southeastern landscape designs

Seeds:

• Illinois Wildflowers
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Missouri Botanical Garden
• US Forest Service
• USDA
• Wikipedia

Photos: Google Image Search & Flickr