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.

Pond depth: 0 - 5cm

Light: Full sun or part shade

Hardiness: Hardy

Height and spread: 40 - 80cm tall, 30 - 50cm wide

Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.

Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.

Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.

Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.

2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.

At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.

Processing Time:
Orders are processed within 1 - 3 business day after payment confirmation. Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed the next business day.

Shipping Methods:

  • Standard Shipping (1-3 days)
  • Express Shipping (1-2 days)

Should you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, feel free to contact us.