Iris sanguinea aka Bloodred Iris

Iris sanguinea is a perennial in the iris family, Iridaceae. Common names include blood iris and Siberian red iris. Its native range runs from southern Siberia to Japan. Records also place it in China, Korea, and Mongolia. It grows in damp meadows and beside ponds and streams. It also occurs on hillsides around 1,640 feet [500 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This iris grows from rhizomes and has an upright form. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. The RHS describes flowering plants around 3 feet [0.9 metres] tall. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Long, slim leaves stand upright beside the flower stems. The leaves fall away rather than staying through winter. The stems do not branch and bear two or three flowers.

Flowers open in early summer and have a reddish-purple hue. Each bloom spans about 0.2–0.26 feet [0.06–0.08 metres]. The falls have yellow-orange areas at their bases. These marks contrast with the darker parts of the flower. The blooms give this plant a place in flower borders. The RHS also lists beds, cottage gardens, and informal plantings. Other listed settings include city gardens, courtyards, and coastal gardens.

Grow it in loam that drains well. Acid or neutral soil suits it. The RHS accepts full sun or partial shade. Its listed moisture range runs from dry to moist. Plants can grow in exposed or sheltered sites. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H6. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 3–9. It needs no pruning. Sow seed in a cold frame in spring or autumn. Lift rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn, then replant at once.

Slugs, snails, and thrips may attack the plant. Diseases include viruses spread by aphids, soft rot, and grey mould. Eating this iris can harm both people and pets. Wear gloves and other protection when handling it. PFAF lists no known food use and rates edibility zero. It records a medicinal use to help clear mucus. It also reports an insecticide made from the plant. These recorded uses do not make it safe to eat.