Aquatic plantsIris pseudacorus
Yellow Flag Iris
Yellow flag iris is a vigorous native aquatic plant with graceful, sword-shaped leaves and striking bright yellow flowers from May to July. The flowers have the classic iris form with falls and standards. The plant grows along banks, in marshes and in shallow water, forming a lush green border along ponds and ditches with its abundant foliage.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- High
- Height
- 80–150 cm
- Spread
- 40–80 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–9
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow
- Wildlife value
- bees, dragonflies, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in wet to moist soil or shallow water up to 20 centimetres deep. Ideal for pond margins and bog gardens. The plant is extremely robust and can spread vigorously — contain growth with a pond basket if you want to prevent spreading. Hardy and virtually disease-free.
Pruning tips
Remove spent flower stems to limit self-seeding. Cut back dead foliage in autumn. Divide overcrowded clumps in spring or autumn. Monitor regularly to ensure the plant does not spread too aggressively.
Good companions
Aquatic plantsNymphaea alba
White Water Lily
The white water lily is an iconic aquatic plant with large, round floating leaves and elegant white flowers that rest on the water surface. The blooms open in the morning and close in the afternoon, from June through September. The plant provides shade and shelter for fish and amphibians beneath its leaves.
Aquatic plantsPontederia cordata
Pickerelweed
Pickerelweed is a graceful aquatic plant with heart-shaped, glossy green leaves and striking spikes of violet-blue flowers appearing from July to September. The plant grows in shallow water or bog zones and forms lush colonies along pond margins. The flowers are a magnet for butterflies, bees and dragonflies.
PerennialsIris germanica
Bearded Iris
The bearded iris is a stately perennial with sword-shaped grey-green leaves and elegant, multi-coloured flowers. In May and June, striking blooms appear in purple, blue, or yellow, often with a characteristic 'beard' on the drooping petals. The plant is perfect for formal borders or along pathways.