Today our Plant of the Week is the Louisiana Iris. Instead of referring to just one plant, The Louisiana Iris is a unique group of five American iris species native to the state that freely interbreed to create vibrant, naturally occurring hybrids. This group includes Iris fulva, Iris giganticaerulea, Iris hexagona, Iris brevicaulis, and Iris nelsonii.
Did you know? South Louisiana is the only place in the world where all five native Iris species grow together naturally. Also in 1990, the Louisiana iris was chosen as the official state wildflower of Louisiana.
If you’re interested in growing them, Louisiana Irises thrive in full sun and wet soils, bogs, or even up to 6 inches of standing water, and adapt well to regular garden soil if kept moist. Because they’re native plants, they grow incredibly well here and are low maintenance.
Want to add a unique, native flower to your garden? Consider the Louisiana Iris.