Iris versicolor 'Purple Flame'

 A fun find by the staff at the Mt. Cuba center!  This eggplant purple foliage emerges from the ground in early spring and slowly fades to the blue-green typical of the species as the warm weather progresses.  Purple flowers are borne on stalks that are a deeper tone than the foliage in early summer.  A treasure of a find in a beautiful US native!  They can be partially submerged in a pond planting, bog type settings, or planted in average garden soil that is evenly moist at all times.   A favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds.
Mature Plant Size: 2'-3 Tall, 2'-3' Spread (easily divided when too wide)
Bloom Time: June-July
Light Exposure: Full-Part Sun
Soil Type/pH: Well-drained/5.0-7.0 
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Fertilizer: If using compost apply an 1" at planting time and side dress annually in late fall or early spring.  If using a granular fertilizer, we recommend organic formulations, apply an all-purpose formula in early spring annually. Normally plants that are grown in water do not need fertilizer but if the growth is slow, you can use slow dissolving plant food tablets for pond plants.
Containers Size: 4.5" Pot

Plant Patent Applied For - Cannot Be Propagated