Purple Flame Iris

Iris versicolor 'Purple Flame'

Nature Hills Nursery

Striking Purple Foliage & Violet Blooms Make this Purple Iris a Year-Round Garden Showstopper
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple, Yellow Blooms From Late Spring to Early Summer
Native, Pollinator-Friendly Perennial

$35⁹⁴

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this iris full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light) for the most vibrant purple foliage and heavy blooming. While it tolerates partial shade—especially in hot climates—too much shade will cause the signature purple leaf color to fade to green faster and result in fewer flowers.
Soil: This plant loves "wet feet" and thrives in moisture-retentive soil where other plants might rot. It is perfect for boggy areas, pond edges, or heavy clay soils that drain poorly. If you have sandy or dry soil, you must amend it heavily with compost or peat moss to help hold the moisture this plant craves.

Watering Requirements

Because this is naturally a wetland plant, consistent moisture is critical, especially during the first season while roots are establishing. Never let the soil dry out completely. Unlike many drought-tolerant perennials, if this iris lacks water, the colorful foliage will turn green prematurely and flower production will drop significantly. Think of it as a plant that prefers a constant drink rather than a sip now and then.

Pruning Tips

Since this iris is an herbaceous perennial, it blooms on new growth that emerges from the ground each spring. After the late spring blooms fade, cut the flower stalks down to the base to keep the clump looking tidy—think of it like deadheading to redirect energy back into the roots. In late autumn or early winter after a hard frost, cut the entire plant's foliage down to about 2 inches above the ground. This "winter haircut" removes hiding spots for pests like iris borers and keeps the garden clean for fresh spring growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, general-purpose granular fertilizer in early spring as new shoots appear. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers (often used for lawns) late in the season. Excess nitrogen fuels rapid leaf growth at the expense of flowers, giving you a lush green plant with no blooms.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Wet Soils, Deer-resistant, Container Friendly, Attracts pollinators, Groundcover
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	High
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Purple, Yellow
Foliage Color	Green, Purple
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Iris
Botanical Name	Iris versicolor 'Purple Flame'
Species	versicolor
Cultivar	Purple Flame
Class	Asparagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

Colorful New Twist - Reliable Standard Purple Flame Iris!

Gorgeous Violet Blooms & Yellow Throats
Unique Purple Foliage!
Verticle Clumps of Strappy Leaves
Low Maintenance
Erosion Control
Water-Loving Plants!
Deer & Rabbit Resistant
Ponds, Rain Gardens & Water Features
Black Walnut Juglone Resistant
Pollinators & Hummingbirds!

The amazing coloration on a garden standard, Purple Flame Iris (Iris versicolor 'Purple Flame') features violet blooms with yellow throats! These beauties sport unique purple-blue early-season foliage!

Tall unusual, upright leaves, Purple Flame announces spring with swords of bluish-purple! Violet blooms appear in early summer and provide unique visual interest. The abundant flowers invite pollinators and eager bees! Hummingbirds too love these but deer and rabbits avoid them!

The foliage of these Flag Iris matures to deep green with an eggplant purple blush for the rest of the growing season, and the sword-like texture and calming swaying motion accent your landscape!

How to Use Purple Flame Iris In The Landscape

Rain gardens and water gardens, water features and that soggy spot by where the gutters or HVAC system drain, are all perfect locations for these moisture-hungry blooms! These Iris are also perfectly at home in the average garden bed and landscape conditions as well!

Pond's edges, marshes, and shorelines provide the consistent moisture that Purple Flame loves, allowing them to form neat colonies for erosion control. Showing off that vivid color from top to bottom!

Drifts en masse of violet blossoms form tidy borders in cottage beds or long rows along your foundation. Pollinator, perennial and cut flower gardens too are great locations for these plants, just be sure to provide some extra water!

#ProPlantTips For Care

Flag Irises like Purple Flame handle wet soils in full sun and cool climates. However, prefers some part shade in hot summer climates or in lower moisture areas.

Extremely cold hardy in zones 3-9, Iris has few problems or pests! Preferring to be planted in acidic, rich, moist and well-drained soils, they're even tolerant of black walnut trees.

Unique color top to bottom, Purple Flame Flag Iris from Nature Hills vividly announces when spring arrives! Order yours today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Purple Flame Iris prefer, and does it tolerate wet or boggy conditions?

Purple Flame Iris thrives in wet, boggy conditions and is perfect for consistently moist soils that other plants can't handle. These water-loving perennials excel in rain gardens, pond edges, and soggy drainage areas in zones 3-9. Plant them where water naturally collects for best results.

How much moisture or water depth can Purple Flame Iris handle?

Purple Flame Iris thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and can handle standing water at pond edges and marshes. These water-loving perennials excel in rain gardens, soggy drainage areas, and shoreline plantings. Provide extra irrigation in average garden beds for best performance.

Is Purple Flame Iris deer-resistant?

Yes, Purple Flame Iris is deer and rabbit resistant. The strong scent and texture of the foliage naturally deters browsing animals. Plant in zones 3-9 where deer pressure is high for reliable, low-maintenance color.

What causes the purple foliage on Purple Flame Iris, and how long does it last?

Purple Flame Iris naturally produces distinctive purple-blue foliage in early spring, which then matures to deep green with an eggplant purple blush that persists through the growing season. This unique coloration is an inherent trait of this Iris versicolor cultivar. Plant in zones 3-9 with consistent moisture for the best foliage color display.

How do I plant Purple Flame Iris, including spacing between plants?

Plant Purple Flame Iris rhizomes in spring or fall, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in zones 3-9. Choose full sun locations with consistent moisture, or partial shade in hot climates. Plant rhizomes just below soil surface and water thoroughly after planting.

Will Purple Flame Iris survive in hot climates like zone 8?

Purple Flame Iris thrives in zone 8 and is cold hardy through zones 3-9. In hot summer climates, it prefers some part shade rather than full sun. Provide consistent moisture and afternoon shade for best performance in warmer zones.

Is Purple Flame Iris shipped bare root or in containers?

Purple Flame Iris is typically shipped as bare root divisions during the dormant season or in containers during the growing season. These hardy perennials establish well in zones 3-9 regardless of shipping method. Plant bare root divisions in early spring or fall, and containerized plants anytime during the growing season with adequate moisture.