A Stunning Purple Perennial For Wet Soil That Adds Vibrant Color Fast

Marshes, swamps, streams, and muddy riverbanks are notoriously brown. However, there is a wide range of flowering plants in vibrant colors that thrive in these wet conditions. Dixie iris (Iris hexagona), also known as Louisiana iris or Carolina Iris, is a striking flower that blooms with violet to blue, pointed flowers. It is native to the wetlands of South Carolina, Florida, and Louisiana, and perennial in USDA Hardiness zones 7 to 9.

This iris is one of the rarest native iris varieties in the United States. It thrives in moist soils and shallow water, and will flood your water garden, rain garden, backyard pond, or stream with abundance. Or it may just liven up that patch of soil in your yard that just won't drain. It is a relatively low-maintenance flowering plant that grows quickly under the right care and conditions. It's also resistant to deer and attracts bees to the garden. In a warm, moist, and sunny climate, this stunning purple perennial will color your yard with delicate purple blooms through the springtime.

Providing the ideal moisture to mimic their natural environment is the most important part of growing Dixie iris. Dixie iris can grow in several inches of water or very moist soil. If you choose to plant it in soil, make sure that it remains moist. Adding a layer of mulch to the soil helps retain moisture. Ideally, the soil should be acidic and rich in organic matter. You should also consider the best planting location. Dixie iris will thrive in full sunlight, at least six hours per day. These plants will reach about 3 to 4 feet tall and spread about 18 inches wide. This plant's shallow rhizomes will soon spread underground to create patches of flowers throughout your landscape. 

Iris generally takes about six to eight weeks to establish, after which you can look forward to blooming. Dixie iris is not prone to any serious insects or diseases. However, it's a good idea to keep the water clear of old leaves and debris to prevent common issues such as fungal diseases and bacterial infection. Irises also don't require much maintenance, but regular deadheading at the end of each spring bloom season and cutting the plants down to the ground before the first frost will keep your plant healthy and happy for the next season.