Iris virginica aka Blue Flag
Taxonomy
Common names
Blue Flag, Southern Blue Flag, Blue Flag Iris, Virginia IrisHow to care for Blue Flag
Difficulty
Blue Flag is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Blue Flag should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
When growing Blue Flag, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Blue Flag Iris with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Blue Flag from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Blue Flag regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Blue Flag will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.
Lighting
Blue Flag requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Blue Flag will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Toxicity
Blue Flag is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Blue Flag should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
The Blue Flag is clumping in nature, with new growth originating from the soil in close proximity to the original plant.
More info:
Wikipedia