Description
Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' is a reddish-purple form of the blue flag iris, Iris versicolor. In early to midsummer it carries up to five beardless, magenta-purple flowers per stem, veined white and yellow, above grey-green leaves.
'Kermesina' at a glance
| Botanical name |
Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' |
| Common name |
Purple flag iris |
| Plant type |
Clump-forming iris; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 60–80 cm tall, up to 50 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Reddish-purple with white and yellow veins, May to July |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Deep, moist to wet, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil |
| Pond depth |
Boggy soil or up to 5 cm of water (Wetland Plants); the purple species form is grown up to 15 cm deep |
| Hardiness |
RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to |
Garden form of Iris versicolor (not UK native) |
Where to plant Kermesina
- The shallow edge of a pond, up to 5 cm deep
- Boggy ground beside a pond or stream
- Bog gardens that never dry out
How to plant and care for it
Plant from spring to late summer in soil that will not dry out. Watch for slugs, snails and thrips. As a non-native plant, keep it to garden ponds.
Is it poisonous?
Yes. It is harmful if eaten by people or pets and may irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling it.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
