Water Iris are semi-aquatic bog plants that grow in shallow water, damp soil or even in large plant pots or containers with nutritious compost and regular watering. Varieties such as Iris pseudacorus, or Yellow Flag, prefer to have their roots and crown submerged underwater however many varieties, like the Siberian Iris are perfectly happy in wet clay and damp soil. Laevigata can be vivacious so planting baskets and aquatic soil are advised to control growth and create a strong base for the anchoring plants.
Nestled amongst wildlife meadows and resident ducks, Caroline’s award winning pond plant nursery in Enfield has been making a splash since 1965, when they invented the (recycled, obvs) aquatic basket. Sixty years and multiple RHS gold medals later, they’re still surprising us with new varieties every year!
Need help picking?
Which water iris?
Irises are among the most beautiful pond plants and come in a range of shapes, sizes and hues. Certain irises, like yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) and blue flag iris (Iris versicolor), can be grown with their base submerged in water, making them perfect for the edge of a pond. Other irises, such as Siberian flag iris (Iris sibirica) and Japanese water iris (Iris ensata), grow better in moist, boggy soil (but not submerged). Another thing to consider is the size of your iris; most irises grow to a height of between 75 and 150cm, though there are also shorter, more compact varieties (like the bulbous cultivar, Iris reticulata) that grow to just 20cm or so in height.
Planting schemes and partners
Irises are a must for any pond or bog gardens. Their love for damp soil and robust hardiness (with most varieties ranked either H6 or H7 on the RHS’s hardiness rating system) makes them a brilliant option for many British gardens. Recommended companion plants for irises include those that can withstand moisture, pickerel weeds, lobelias, heucheras and ferns. You can also consider creating a Japanese-style garden with your iris plants, pairing them with horsetails, acers, astilbes and hostas.
Water iris care tips
Water irises require full sun or partial shade to thrive. For those irises planted in the margins of the pond, use aquatic baskets to help anchor the plants and to make them easier to divide. Plant around half a metre apart to allow room for spreading and cut stalks down to ground level in late November. Plant your iris(es) between March and November, preferably late March to April. Alongside being nice and hardy, water irises don’t tend to be impacted by pests or diseases when planted in appropriate conditions. Lovely stuff.
