Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' - Purple Flag Iris, Pond Marginal Plant

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.