Iris sanguinea, commonly known as Blood Iris, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb that is native to moist meadows, stream banks, and the edges of forested areas in East Asia, including the Russian Far East and Mongolia. It features grey-green, sword-shaped leaves and produces an unbranched flowering stem that can reach heights of 30 to 90 cm (12 to 35.5 in). The Blood Iris is notable for its striking flowers, which bloom in early summer, typically from May to July. The flowers come in various shades of reddish-purple, ranging from blue to blue-purple, red-violet, and there is even a rare white variant. Each stem bears two to three showy flowers at its terminal ends, making it a visually appealing addition to gardens.

Blood Iris is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to naturalize in suitable conditions. It is often used in water gardens, bog gardens, and as a border plant in perennial gardens. While it can be prolific under optimal conditions, it is not typically invasive outside its native range. Gardeners should plant Blood Iris in well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils enriched with organic matter, or loam. It thrives in full sun but can also grow in partial shade, provided it receives several hours of sunlight. Consistent moisture during the growing season is crucial for producing the best blooms. Despite its preference for high moisture levels, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent rhizome rot.CC BY-SA 4.0