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Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris)

Yellow Iris, Yellow Flag, Water Flag Iris, Daggers, Flagon, Jacob's Sword, Water Skegs, Yellow Feur-de-Lis

Iris pseudacorus, Yellow Iris, Yellow Flag, Water Flag Iris, Daggers, Flagon, Jacob's Sword, Water Skegs, Yellow Feur-de-Lis, Iris for Ponds, Perennial for wet soil, Perennial for poorly drained soils, Yellow Flowers
Iris pseudacorus, Yellow Iris, Yellow Flag, Water Flag Iris, Daggers, Flagon, Jacob's Sword, Water Skegs, Yellow Feur-de-Lis, Iris for Ponds, Perennial for wet soil, Perennial for poorly drained soils, Yellow Flowers
Iris pseudacorus, Yellow Iris, Yellow Flag, Water Flag Iris, Daggers, Flagon, Jacob's Sword, Water Skegs, Yellow Feur-de-Lis, Iris for Ponds, Perennial for wet soil, Perennial for poorly drained soils, Yellow Flowers

Vigorous, Iris pseudacorus, commonly known as Yellow Iris, is a herbaceous perennial with eye-catching bright yellow flowers, 4 in. wide (10 cm), adorned with a brown or violet veining on each fall. Sitting atop sturdy, upright, branched stalks, the flowers create a very striking display. Each flower stalk bears up to 4-12 flowers. The foliage of erect, sword-shaped, gray-green leaves is equally attractive and remains good-looking through the entire growing season. Blooming in great abundance from late spring to early summer, the flowers are followed by large seed pods.

  • Grows up to 3-5 ft. (90-150 cm). and looks most spectacular when planted in groupings of 6-8 plants. Plants will naturalize easily by spreading rhizomes to form extensive colonies, so site with care.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in acidic, moist to wet, humus-rich soils. For maximum flower production, provide full sun exposure and a site with 12 in. of water over its soil (30 cm). Although this plant prefers constant moisture, it grows well in average garden soils, albeit less vigorously.
  • A welcomed addition to beds, borders, cottage gardens, city gardens, bog gardens, water gardens, rain gardens or near streams or ponds, where it will provide excellent color contrast. Great choice for moist boggy areas.
  • Remove any dying foliage in fall, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering. Remove seed pods before they mature to prevent any undesired self-seeding.
  • Virtually disease and pest free. Ignored by deer!
  • Propagate by division from midsummer to early fall, plant immediately in flowering positions
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
  • Native to Europe, Africa, Asia

Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for irises like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 3 - 8
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Yellow Iris, Iris, Daggers, Flagon, Yellow Flag
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Wall-Side Borders, Water Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
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Iris Species
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Iris virginica var. shrevei (Southern Blue Flag)
Iris latifolia (English Iris)
Iris lactea (Milky Iris)
Iris chrysographes (Gold-Marked Iris)
Iris macrosiphon (Long Tubed Iris)
Iris hexagona (Dixie Iris)

Recommended Companion Plants

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ (Spurge)
Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ (Solomon’s Seal)
Hosta (Tardiana Group) ‘Halcyon’ (Plantain Lily)
Persicaria bistorta ‘Superba’ (Bistort)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Iris)
Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 3 - 8
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris other species
Common names Yellow Iris, Iris, Daggers, Flagon, Yellow Flag
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Wall-Side Borders, Water Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Iris Species
Not sure which Iris Species to pick?
Compare Now

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