Iris versicolor Kermesina - Water Iris

Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' is a perennial rhizomatous plant for wet areas with intriguing flowering, textured with white.

Belonging to the large Iridaceae family, the type variety is native to the large wet plains and marshes of North America. It is common in carex meadows, swamps, and along riverbanks. It is also one of the few native species that can be cultivated without difficulty. In spring, the deciduous ensiform (sword-shaped) leaves grow to a width of 2.5cm (1in), followed very quickly by the flowering. This flowering occurs from May to July, with 5 to 6 velvety-textured flowers per stem, reaching a height of 60cm (24in). Petals, sepals, and styles are delicately reticulated with a plum colour and white. The sepals are scalloped with yellow-green at their base. Narrow and horizontal at the base, they suddenly widen into a triangular, elegantly curved section. The flowers are medium-sized, approximately 10cm (4in) in width. They have a very light powdery fragrance typical of irises, but less pronounced than in their counterparts.

Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' thrives in full sun or partial shade. As a pond plant, it will reach its full potential with its feet in 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) of permanent water. Unlike I. germanica, which does not like excess water, this one particularly seeks it. In any case, it is one of the species best adapted to cultivation in wet and humus-rich soils. It is very easy to cultivate and, once established, is very hardy and requires little maintenance. The plants need two years before the first flowering, but the highly cut-out silhouette of its inflorescences and its wild freshness are well worth the wait. Afterwards, the rhizomes can be divided every three years. At the end of flowering, cut back the stems. You can reintroduce it to its natural environment. I. versicolor can be found in carex meadows. You can vary the colours and shades of the different varieties of this grass. On the edge of a pond, consider planting with other water irises, such as I. pseudacorus, I. chrysographes 'Black Knight', and then introduce concentric circles of purple or pearly astilbes, Provence canes, and bearded irises. They all love pond edges.

Everything refers to colour in the denomination of the 'Kermesina' variety. In Greek mythology, Iris was the messenger between Earth and the gods of Olympus. Today, with more than 200 varieties in a wide spectrum of colours, the iris proudly bears the name that designates the rainbow in Greek. Closer to us, I. versicolor designates a plant whose colours fluctuate. 'Kermesina' simply means crimson or violet with a hint of red, and describes plant varieties whose flowers have this colour.