Harlequin Blueflag
Herbaceous perennial growing 60-90 cm tall. Features sword-like leaves and showy blue-violet flowers with yellow and white markings, blooming in late spring to early summer. Prefers consistently moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade. Rhizomes can help stabilize soil in wet areas. Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. Suitable for rain gardens, pond edges, and bog gardens. Native to eastern North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Blue to Purple
Bloom Time: Late-Spring to Early-Summer
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Moist to Wet
Phenology: New leaves emerge April. Blooms appear June. Seed pods develop July-August. Foliage begins yellowing September. Dead foliage provides winter structure.
Wildlife Value: Seeds eaten by waterfowl and marsh birds; rhizomes eaten by muskrats; provides cover for wetland wildlife; deer resistant
Habit Over Time: Creates expanding clumps through thick, branching rhizomes that grow at or near the soil surface. While it spreads steadily, the rhizomes are easy to see and control. New fans of leaves emerge regularly along the rhizomes, creating dense stands that can exclude weaker plants. Best used where its spreading nature can be contained or in areas where it can compete with other strong growers.
Height: Medium (2-3 feet)