Iris sanguinea

$20.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 5-8

There is a small lie in the name. Sanguinea means blood, and yet the iris in front of you is blue, or blue running toward violet, with only a wine-dark deepening in the falls to argue the case. The botanists felt the strain too: Carl Thunberg first tried to file it as Iris orientalis in 1794, found that name already taken, and the plant waited until 1813 for the one it has kept since. The Japanese never bothered with Latin. To them it is ayame, one of the three irises of early summer, threaded through a thousand years of poetry and arriving in that uncertain seam where the old poets could never quite agree whether spring had ended or summer begun.

Tell it from the familiar Siberian iris by the stems: sanguinea carries its flowers on a single unbranched stalk, sibirica branches. The two run so close that most of the garden Siberians you can buy are crosses between them, and close enough that taxonomists keep threatening to fold one wholly into the other. Either way you get narrow gray-green blades, slim and upright, and reddish-purple flowers held just above the foliage in late spring.

A plant of wet Asian meadows, it wants sun or a little shade and ground that stays damp, and it repays a pond edge or a low moist border by thickening, season on season, into a generous clump. Blue with a rumor of blood, and worth growing for the argument alone.

Standing on: Iris sanguinea (series Sibiricae) is from Russia, Mongolia, China, Japan, and Korea, with grey-green leaves, an unbranched flowering stem, and reddish-purple to blue-violet flowers; it is often confused with Iris sibirica, which has branched stems. It carries the common names blood-red iris and blood iris, was originally published by Thunberg as Iris orientalis in 1794 (a name already in use), and has been hybridized with I. sibirica to extend the color range. In Japan it is ayame, one of the three irises grouped as "Japanese iris," blooming early May to late June, a seasonal ambiguity noted as far back as Heian poets. A 2020 revision found no clear distinction from I. sibirica and synonymized the two.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

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Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 5-8
Sun Full Sun and Part Shade
Soil Moist and Well-drained
Mature size Height: 12-24 Inches / Spread: 12-15 Inches
Growth Rate Moderate
Seasonality Deciduous

Flower, Fruit and Foliage

Pretty purple

Flower. Two or three blooms to a stem, beardless, in reddish-purple running to blue-violet, the falls veined and signalled toward the throat, carried just clear of the foliage on hollow, unbranched stalks in late spring. A rare white form turns up. The unbranched stem is the quickest way to tell it from the branching Siberian iris.

Fruit. A dry, three-sided capsule, triangular in cross-section the way the whole Sibiricae group runs, that ripens, hardens, and splits along its seams to spill flat, disc-shaped seeds. Left standing, the brown capsules hold their shape into winter and earn their keep in a frosted border.

Foliage. Narrow, grassy, gray-green blades twenty to sixty centimeters long and barely half an inch wide, upright at first and arching as they lengthen, rising in clumps from a thick creeping rhizome. A slim vertical line of foliage that holds the bed together long after the flowers have gone.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Iris sanguinea thrives best in full sunlight, which encourages the most vigorous growth and flowering. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but full sun is ideal to maximize blooming potential.

Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. This iris grows best in rich, loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. While it can tolerate a variety of soil types, ensuring good drainage is key to preventing root rot. Adding organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, can improve soil structure and fertility.

Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Iris sanguinea prefers consistently moist soil, particularly during the growing season. It is more tolerant of wet soils compared to other iris species, making it suitable for rain gardens or planting near water features. However, avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in USDA zones 5-8. Iris sanguinea is well-suited to a wide range of climates, from cold northern regions to warmer southern areas. It can withstand cold winters and is frost-tolerant, making it a robust choice for various garden settings. This plant prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to both higher and lower humidity conditions.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. An additional application in mid-summer can help sustain the plant during its peak growing season. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, are also beneficial for maintaining soil fertility.

Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to remove spent blooms and tidy up the plant. Removing dead or damaged leaves helps maintain the plant's appearance and prevents the spread of diseases. In late fall or early winter, trim back any remaining foliage to prepare the plant for dormancy.

Pests and Problems: Generally pest-resistant, but may occasionally be affected by iris borers, aphids, or fungal diseases such as leaf spot. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal issues. If pests or diseases are detected, treat with appropriate measures such as insecticidal soap or fungicides.

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Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

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Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
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