Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus). Rich in nectar for pollinators.

Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)

Name: Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)
SKU: IRIPSE
Availability: InStock

Price range: £10.00 through £35.00

This hardy perennial blooms with bright yellow flowers from late spring to summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its tall leaves offer shelter for frogs, toads, and birds, while aiding dragonfly larvae.

A fast grower, it’s best planted in a basket in smaller ponds to prevent spreading.

Size

Clear

SKU: IRIPSE Categories: Damp/Bog Gardens, Garden Plants, Marginal, Pond Plants Tags: Amphibian Friendly, Bog Garden, Flowering, Full Sun, Marginal, Native, Part-Shade, Pollinators, RHS PFP

This striking perennial plant is a favourite for wetland areas, pond edges, and shallow waters, where it thrives and adds a touch of natural beauty. From late spring to early summer, its large, bright yellow flowers bloom, creating a stunning display that’s thought to have inspired the iconic fleur-de-lis symbol.

Not only is the Yellow Flag Iris visually stunning, but it’s also a powerhouse for supporting local wildlife. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and butterflies, making it a fantastic choice for pollinators. The tall, dense leaves provide essential cover for frogs, toads, and visiting birds, while also offering a perfect climbing spot for dragonfly larvae as they emerge from the water to pupate.

However, be mindful – this plant is a vigorous grower and can quickly take over small ponds or natural areas if left unchecked. To keep it under control, we recommend planting it in a basket around the margins of your pond.

Details

Native: Yes
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Depth: 0 – 20cm
Height max: 80 – 120cm
Spread max: 30 – 100
RHS PFP: Yes

Care Instructions

Once the foliage has withered in autumn, trim the plant back to just above the water’s surface. If you choose to delay trimming until spring, exercise caution to avoid harming the emerging shoots.

Repotting Instructions

Can also be planted in very wet soil – do not allow to dry out.

9cm marginal pond plants require potting into a mesh basket. Place in a pond no deeper than 1/3 maximum recommended planting depth to allow the plants to establish.

1ltr marginal pond plants do not require repotting but will benefit from a bigger basket, there is no need to remove the mesh basket. Place in pond no deeper than 1/2 maximum recommended planting depth to allow the plants to establish. Plants over 60cm height growth will benefit from repotting into a larger mesh basket or should be planted in gravel to prevent them from falling over in a breeze.

3ltr and 5ltr pond plants do not require repotting; there is no need to remove the mesh basket. Place on the shelf of the pond at the required depth.