Iris pseudacorus, known as yellow flag iris, is a tall UK native iris with grey-green, sword-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers up to 10 cm across. It flowers from May into July and is a classic plant of wild pond and river margins.

Yellow flag iris at a glance

Botanical name Iris pseudacorus
Common name Yellow flag iris, yellow iris
Plant type Vigorous, clump-forming iris; dies back in winter
Height and spread 1–1.5 m tall, spreading 1 m or more
Flowers Bright yellow with brown veining, May to July
Position Full sun or part shade (flowers best in sun)
Soil Wet soil or shallow water
Pond depth 0–15 cm of water over the crown
Hardiness RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to UK and Ireland (native wild flower)

Is yellow flag iris right for a small pond?

Only in a basket. It is vigorous, reaches 1–1.5 m and can take over a small pond if planted loose. It is best for larger wildlife ponds, lakes and stream banks.

Is it good for wildlife?

Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list. Bees visit the flowers and dragonflies use the leaves to emerge from the water.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in spring or summer with up to 15 cm of water over the crown. Remove seed heads before they ripen to stop it seeding around, and divide clumps every 2–3 years.

Is yellow flag iris poisonous?

Yes. All parts are harmful if eaten by people or pets, and the sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling or dividing it.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Pond depth: 0 - 15cm

Light: Full sun or part shade

Hardiness: Hardy

Height and spread: 120cm+ tall, 100cm+ wide

Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.

Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.

Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.

Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.

2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.

At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.

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