Description of Iris versicolor 'Kermesina'

Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' is a cultivar of blue flag iris, a wetland iris that suits bog gardens and pond edges. It is a tough iris that copes well with saturated soil and shallow water once established.

Appearance

It forms fans of sword-like leaves and sends up flower stems in late spring to early summer. Flowers are typically in the purple range with markings, and this cultivar is known for a strong colour tone. Height is often 60 to 90cm.

Care Guide

It prefers wet soil and sun. It will grow in part shade but usually flowers better in brighter spots.

• Sun: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: Heavy, wet soil or aquatic compost.
• Water: Saturated soil to shallow water at the margin.
• After flowering: Remove spent stems and tidy damaged leaves.
• Division: Divide in spring if clumps become crowded.

Plant rhizomes just covered and keep the crown free of dense weeds.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This is a great bog garden iris for the wettest zones. It also works as a pond-margin plant where baskets sit on a shelf.

Use it to frame paths and stepping stones, or plant several clumps along an edge for a simple run of foliage and flowers.

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