wetland wildflower
Giant blue iris
Iris giganticaerulea
1 of 2Native to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas
"Panhandle Florida (L. Anderson, pers.comm., 2021) west to eastern Texas." (Webref: 178).
- Light Partial shade Sun tolerance
- Moisture Wet Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Mar–Apr Flowering time
- Height up to 6 ft to 1.8 m
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A wetland wildflower for partial shade and wet soil. Its blue and purple flowers peak in April. At up to 6 ft, it needs room in rain gardens, pond edges, and damp low spots.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Giant blue iris's blue and purple flowers bloom March to April, peaking in April. It's a spring display.
Giant blue iris blooms blue & purpleFoliage
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- WetlandThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and TexasUnited States (5): AL, FL, LA, MS, TX. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- "Panhandle Florida (L. Anderson, pers.comm., 2021) west to eastern Texas." (Webref: 178).The same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Partial shadeHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- WetThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Wet, rich soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 6 ft (to 1.8 m)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Mar–AprWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Blue, PurpleThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- Capsule; ripens Apr–MayThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.