Iris versicolor 'Purple Flame' - Blue Flag cultivar

Sizes available: #1 (Trade gallon)

Basics: zones 2-7, 24-36" x 18-24", full sun to light shade, foliage emerges purple and as it elongates and matures turns greener, but streaked with purple at the base, medium violet-blue bloom in early summer, likes consistently moist to wet feet and can grow in shallow standing water. 

Common names: Blue Flag Iris selection

Family: Iridaceae

Origin/Distribution: This is a selected variety of our native Blue Flag, Iris versicolor. The initial plant with showy, purple, emergent foliage was spotted in a stand of Blue Flag at Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware.

Habitat: Found in damp to wet habitats: low spots in field, wet ditches, the edges of rivers, stream, ponds, lakes, marsh, and so on.

More: The emergent foliage looks stunning with spring bulbs, the sword-like leaves add a different texture to mixed borders and, despite being a wetland plant, 'Purple Flame' will do well in a garden border with consistent moisture. Like the species, 'Purple Flame' is toxic, both through ingestion and potentially through contact, so handle with care. I think the foliage might be good in floral arrangements. The flower, too if picked at the right time.

Source: Van Berkum

Image credits: Honey Petal Plants, close-up of flower; Mt. Cuba Center, example of leaf color