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Iris versicolor Kermesina - Water Iris

Iris versicolor Kermesina
Blue Flag, Boston Iris

3,9/5
6 reviews
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Received today and in perfect condition, thanks to Promise of Flowers for their expertise and, thanks to their kindness, they graciously sent me back the 3 irises that I had received in very bad condition during the previous order as well as the one that was missing. I highly recommend this supplier.

Sonia, 13/07/2021

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More information

Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' is a perennial rhizomatous plant for wet areas with intriguing flowering in textured white.
Flower size
10 cm
Height at maturity
60 cm
Spread at maturity
45 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -34°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time June to July
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Description

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.

Iris versicolor Kermesina - Water Iris in pictures

Iris versicolor Kermesina - Water Iris (Flowering) Flowering
Iris versicolor Kermesina - Water Iris (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour violet
Flowering time June to July
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 10 cm
Fragrance slightly scented, Powdery
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 45 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Iris

Species

versicolor

Cultivar

Kermesina

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

Blue Flag, Boston Iris

Origin

North America

Product reference93471

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Planting and care

Although growing in marshes, waterlogged meadows or even with its feet in the water, this iris thrives well in slightly moist garden soil.

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Planting period

Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Pond edge, Pond
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil

Care

Pruning instructions Prune the stems at the end of the flowering period.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time August
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
3,9/5

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