Blue flag iris Iris versicolor 'Kermesina'
ABOUT
The Iris versicolor 'Kermesina', also known as the Harlequin Blueflag, is a striking perennial that features beautifully complex flowers. The blossoms boast a mix of deep violet and purple hues, often highlighted with streaks or veining of a darker purple or near-black shade. Each flower petal can have a delicate texture, appearing almost velvety. The falls, which are the lower petals, display a distinct yellow or white patch with a blue or violet veining, creating a dramatic contrast against the darker petal colors. These yellow or white signal areas are often adorned with intricate patterns and are designed to attract pollinators. The overall floral form is characterized by a classic iris shape with three upright petals, called the standards, and three outer petals, the falls, which curve downwards. Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' is known to have sword-shaped leaves that are bright green, adding to its attractive foliage. These leaves are typically long and narrow, creating a vertical architectural element in the garden. The plant grows from a creeping rhizome, which allows it to form clumps over time. As part of a water-margin or bog garden, the Harlequin Blueflag emphasizes the intricate relationship between flora and water, often thriving in these conditions and providing a stunning natural display. The combination of its colorful and patterned flowers, along with its impressive foliage, makes it a distinctive addition to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Iridaceae
Synonyms
Harlequin Blueflag, Northern Blue Flag, Purple Iris, Blue Iris, Water Iris, Flag Lily
Common names
Iris versicolor 'Kermesina'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Iris 'Kermesina' offers striking flowers that enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Biodiversity Support: The blooms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the local ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, they are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention beyond basic watering and occasional feeding.
- Drought Tolerance: This species can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for areas with varying rainfall patterns.
- Soil Erosion Control: The plant's root system helps to stabilize soil, preventing erosion around water features or garden slopes.
- Versatility in Design: Iris 'Kermesina' can be used in a variety of garden styles, from formal beds to naturalistic plantings.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides a burst of color in the spring and early summer, with the potential for a secondary bloom in the fall.
- Wildlife Habitat: They can serve as a habitat and food source for wildlife, including certain bird species.
- Habitat Restoration: This native variety can be used in habitat restoration projects to help maintain indigenous flora.
- Cold Tolerance: Iris 'Kermesina' is robust in colder climates, making it a suitable choice for northern gardeners.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Iris versicolor, commonly known as Blue Flag, may have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Diuretic: The plant has traditionally been used to promote the excretion of urine.
- Emetic: In historical practices, Blue Flag was used as an emetic to induce vomiting.
- Laxative: It has been used to alleviate constipation in traditional remedies.
- Hepatoprotective: There is some suggestion that it might have properties that help protect the liver.
- Antibacterial: Some constituents in the plant might exhibit antibacterial effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Iris versicolor 'Kermesina', commonly known as Harlequin Blueflag, can be used as a natural dye, where the rhizomes yield shades of green and yellow, depending on the mordants used.
- The fibers from its leaves can be woven into baskets or mats, providing a sustainable crafting material.
- The Harlequin Blueflag's dense foliage offers shelter and breeding grounds for local wildlife, including small birds and insects.
- It can be planted as part of a rain garden, where it helps to filter and absorb excess water, mitigating the effects of runoff.
- The plant provides a source of nectar for bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Using Harlequin Blueflag in a pond or water feature can help reduce algae growth by providing shade over the water's surface.
- The striking flowers can be used in floral arrangements, often serving as a unique focal point due to their vibrant color and unusual form.
- When planted along slopes or banks, the root system of Harlequin Blueflag helps to prevent soil erosion.
- The plant's tall, vertical growth can be used to add structural definition in landscape design, creating visual interest in perennial borders.
- As a host plant for certain butterfly larvae, Harlequin Blueflag plays a role in sustaining butterfly populations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Harlequin Blueflag is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Harlequin Blueflag is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: The iris is often associated with hope, symbolizing expectation and belief in future joy.
- Wisdom: In some cultural traditions, the iris represents wisdom, intelligence, and valued knowledge.
- Courage: The iris can symbolize courage, honoring the bravery required to face challenges.
- Faith: As a symbol of faith, the iris reflects deep trust and conviction in personal beliefs.
- Purity: The intricate design of the iris sometimes stands for purity and innocence.
- Royalty: The regal appearance of the iris has historically been associated with royalty and majestic splendor.
WaterThe Blue Flag Iris, also known as Iris versicolor 'Kermesina', thrives in consistently moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. Aim to maintain a damp soil environment without letting it become waterlogged. During the growing season, it's ideal to provide the Blue Flag Iris with about 1 gallon of water weekly, but this amount may need to increase during periods of extreme heat or if the plant is in very well-draining soil. It's essential to reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again to prevent overwatering.
LightBlue Flag Iris prefers full sun to partial shade. A spot that provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal, but this iris can also perform well in a location with dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as too little light can result in poor flowering and weak growth.
TemperatureThe Blue Flag Iris is cold-hardy and can withstand winter temperatures down to about -30°F. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F during the growing season. Extreme heat above 90°F can stress the plant, so it's important to provide extra water during hot spells to keep the iris cool and hydrated.
PruningPruning the Blue Flag Iris involves removing any dead or diseased foliage and spent flower stalks to promote healthy growth and prevent disease. It's best to prune in late summer or fall after the plant has finished blooming. Cut the foliage down to a height of about 6 inches. The Blue Flag Iris may also require division every three to five years to maintain vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHarlequin Blueflag thrives in a moist, rich loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7. A mix of two parts peat, one part loam, and one part sand or perlite works well. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
RepottingHarlequin Blueflag typically does not require frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.
Humidity & MistingHarlequin Blueflag prefers high humidity levels but is quite adaptable. Aim for a humidity level of 60-70% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Harlequin Blueflag near a window, in moist soil, high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Harlequin Blueflag in sun-shade, wet soil, hardy.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor 'Kermesina') begins with seed germination in late spring, where the seeds require consistently moist soil and a period of stratification to break dormancy. The germinated seedlings grow into young plants which develop rhizomes, roots, and foliage during the first season. In the second or third year, the plants reach maturity and produce distinctive flowers that showcase the violet-blue hues with bold veining and a splash of yellow, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. After pollination, usually by bees or hummingbirds, the flowers develop into seed capsules that ripen and split open to release the seeds in late summer to early fall. The plant continues to grow vegetatively through its rhizomes, which can also lead to the spread and creation of new plants. Blue Flag Iris enters dormancy during the winter months, with the foliage dying back, and then re-emerges the following spring to repeat the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Iris versicolor 'Kermesina', commonly known as Harlequin Blueflag, is typically propagated by division, a method most popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The ideal time for this is late summer to early fall, after the blooming has finished and the plant has gathered enough energy, but can also be done in early spring. Division involves gently digging up the clump of rhizomes and carefully breaking or cutting them apart, ensuring each section has several healthy roots and at least one fan of leaves. The segments are then replanted into moist, well-draining soil, ideally spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. It's important to plant the rhizomes just below the soil surface, as too-deep planting can impede bloom production.
