Iris versicolor

Plantaerium

Iris × robusta 'Gerald Darby' is a vigorous, moisture-loving perennial with narrow, sword-shaped green leaves that emerge with a striking purple flush in spring before maturing to green. In late spring to early summer, purplish-black stems rise above the foliage, bearing violet-blue flowers with deep yellow signals on mostly white falls. Thriving in full sun to part shade, this adaptable iris prefers medium to wet soils and can be grown in shallow standing water, making it ideal for pond edges, water gardens, and moist borders.