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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Iris virginica var. shrevei is a robust perennial that forms small colonies from a network of underground rhizomes. Plants produce clumps of distinctive narrow pointed leaves. In late spring, foliage is topped by lovely blue irises.
HABITAT & HARDINESS: Iris virginica var. shrevei is found in the central United States and southern Canada from Arkansas north to the Great Lakes region and east to Quebec and the Appalachian Mountains. This subspecies is similar in appearance to Iris virginica but is hardy further north and is reported to prefer soils with pH closer to neutral.
This iris is indigenous to marshes, swamps, fens, wet meadows, wet pinelands, wet prairies, margins of ponds and creeks, sedge meadows and borders of wetland forests.
Plants are hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Shreve’s Iris grows in large clumps that originate from thick creeping rhizomes. Leaves on the flower stem grow slightly taller than the flower.  Iris virginica var. shrevei, is similar in appearance to the species but typically has branched inflorescences (versus unbranched) and longer, narrower seed capsules
The sword shaped leaves are about 24” tall and 1-2” wide. Leaves overlap at the base and fold around the adjacent leaf to form a flat fan-like arrangement. The blades often lie on the ground or in the water.
In spring leafless flower stalks bear 2-6 blue-purple or violet flowers. Each bloom is 3-4” wide with darker purple veins. Flower color varies from pale blue, purple, violet and lavender and are non-fragrant.
The blooms have a typical iris form with 3 drooping sepals called falls and 3 small upright petals called standards. The falls are marked with a yellow blotch surrounded by a white border.
Angular capsules form after flowering. The seeds inside can float and are distributed by water.
Plants are 2’-3’ tall with a 2-3’ spread.
CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Iris virginica var. shrevei grows best in sunny sites. Plants tolerate part shade but may not bloom well.
This versatile wildflower prospers in moist or wet sandy soils that are high in organic matter. Plants also thrive in average garden soils and 2-4” of standing water. Like other wetland iris, this species filters excess nutrients from ponds and creeks and can improve the water quality.
Plants appreciate a layer of mulch to protect the shallow rhizomes from sunburn. This species is somewhat pest resistant and foliage is unpalatable to deer and other herbivores.
LANDSCAPE USES: Iris virginica var. shrevei is an excellent Accent for a Water Garden or Stormwater Detention Basin. Small Groups or Masses of plants offer Attractive Foliage, Showy Flowers, Cut Flowers and provide Erosion Control. This species is a valuable component of Cottage Gardens, Deer Resistant Plantings, Low Maintenance Plantings, Perennial Borders, Rain Gardens, Wetlands and Wildlife Gardens.
COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS: Iris virginica var. shrevei mingles cheerfully with Asclepias incarnata, Carex muskingumensis, Chelone glabra, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Osmunda cinnamomea.
Iris versicolor could be substituted.
TRIVIA: Flowers are pollinated by native bees, visited by butterflies and attractive to hummingbirds. The yellow blotch and white and purple veined nectar guide lines on the sepals are believed to provide landing space and to guide bees to the nectar and pollen in the iris.
Genus is named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow. The subspecies shrevei honors American botanist Forrest Shreve (1878-1950).