As regular readers of my blog know – I love irises. I’d been familiar with the dwarf irises that bloom early in the spring – and with the bearded irises – for a long time. In recent years, I’ve learned about and photographed two more species of irises – iris versicolor and iris virginica.
The versicolor irises are also known as the flag irises. They are native to North America. Here are some of the various iris versicolors I’ve photographed.
A Blue Flag Iris
© 2009 Patty Hankins
A Northern Blue Flag Iris
© 2012 Patty Hankins
Harlequin Blue Flag Irises
© 2012 Patty Hankins
© 2012 Patty Hankins
John Wood Iris
© 2012 Patty Hankins
The virginica irises are very similar to the versicolor irises. They are also commonly called flag irises – and are native to North America. Here are the two varieties of iris virginica that I’ve photographed.
© 2009 Patty Hankins
© 2009 Patty Hankins
Southern Wanderer Blue Flag Iris
© 2012 Patty Hankins
I’m already looking forward to next spring – and wondering what other versicolor and virginica irises I can find.
If you enjoyed these photos, please feel free to share them on Facebook & Twitter.