Iris for Ponds and Water Features

Iris for Ponds, Bogs and Stream Edges

Iris are one of many blooming pond plants that have unique, colorful flowers that contribute to making our ponds and water gardens so spectacular. Irises are a group of hardy, perennials with thick strap-like foliage in various shades of green that develop flowering stems topped with striking blossoms in a wide range of colors late spring through mid-summer. These blooms are six petaled, with three upright called “standards” and three drooping petals called “falls” typically without a fuzzy “beard” common to other Iris species. The colors vary from white, pink, yellow, red, blue and purple with many being bi-colored or have their veins streaked with multiple colors. The flowers are pollinator sources for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Irises are named after the Greek Goddess of the rainbow and symbolize faith, hope, courage and wisdom.

Iris Care & Planting Tips

Iris are shallow marginal plants that thrive in up to 1-4” of water over the rhizome or root zone in bogs, rain gardens, stream and pond edges. They can be planted “bare root” or in containers which would restrict their spread and may make it easier to care for potted plants. Iris are heavy feeders so fertilize before bloom if you do not have fish.

Iris can be up potted into larger containers Spring through late Summer. Divide overgrown plants after they bloom around June - early September before the fall when the cool weather begins. The roots need warmer water to in order to heal properly otherwise they may rot if potted too late in the fall.

Types of Water Tolerant Iris

Iris that can live in water are either hybrid crosses or true water Iris and those species that require consistently wet soil or can live in bogs, water gardens or pond edges.

Iris ensata are perennials native to Japan, known as Hanashobu which means “flower iris”. They have beautiful large 8-10” orchid-like flowers in a range of colors from white, blue, purple, pink, bi-color and many having heavy veining and a “signal” patch of a contrasting color. Flowers are single, double, or peony-like and are usually ruffled and flat. Ensata types are the last Iris to bloom early to mid-summer- about 2 weeks after Siberian Iris- with early, mid and late season varieties available. Japanese Iris grow to 3-4’ tall in ponds, bogs or constantly wet areas. Another Iris native to Japan that is used in water gardens is Iris laevigata also known as “rabbit ear or water iris”. This Iris grows to 2’ tall with 4” size blooms in late spring to early summer and may rebloom in the fall. Both Irises are winter hardy  to USDA zones 4-9 and can grow in full to part sun locations.

Another group of Irises that commonly grow in water are referred to as the Louisiana types which are group of 5 species and hybrids that are native to the Southeastern US. These have striking, sword-like foliage growing to 2’-6’ tall depending upon variety. Flowers develop in early to mid-spring in a wide range of color hues from white, yellow, red, blue, purple, and pink or a combination that can be 3-7” across. These irises can live in water a few inches above the root zone in full to part sun, hardy in zones 5-9.

 Iris pseudata is a hybrid iris resulting from a cross between Yellow Flag (I. pseudoacorus and Japanese (I. Ensata) which combine the vigor and adaptability of both parents with a wide range of bloom colors and patterns. They can grow in gardens, ponds and other wet areas in full to part sun in USDA zones 4-9. These are generally sterile making them non-invasive, unlike the unfortunate noxious quality of Iris pseudoacorus.

Iris sibirica known as Siberian Iris, are easy to grow, clumping perennials that grow 2-4’ tall in full to part sun in wet garden areas and ponds.  These are very hardy plants for zones 3-8 native to Europe.

Iris versicolor known as Northern Blue Flag are true water Irises native to Northern US and Canada found in bogs, marshes and wet meadows. They can grow 2-3’ tall in up to 6” of water in full to part sun and can tolerate moderately brackish water. Flowers in late spring in shades of blue or purple, hardy in zones 3-9. Iris virginica known as Virginia Blue or Southern Flag Iris has similar characteristics and growing conditions to I. versicolor, yet native to central and southern US, hardy in zones 5-9.

Iris varieties that we carry at Nature Perfect Pond & Supply Store, or can order from our suppliers (subject to availability):

Iris 'Ally Oops' - Light yellow falls veined blue, standard light blue. Presumed Iris siberica hybrid. Vigorous grower, sterile seed. Early midseason blooms. Grows 18-36"  Z4                         

Iris 'Berlin Tiger' - Pale yellow flower with fine brown netting.                                                       

Iris ‘Enfant Prodige’- Blue violet                                                                       

Iris x Robusta 'Dark Aura' purple-blue                                                          

Iris x Roy Davidson - Large yellow blooms in great quantity.                                                                       

Iris ensata 'Anytus' - Ruffled white with yellow signal. Z 6                                                                      

Iris ensata ‘Enchanting Melody’ - Light pink with some yellow markings. Z6                                      

Iris ensata 'Geisha Gown' – White veined deep rose, red-purple veins & styles.                              

Iris ensata 'Hall of Marble' -Near white evenly splashed with light violet, heavier at edges      

Iris ensata 'Hegira' - Big blooms. Dark blue to purple veins.                                                          

Iris ensata ‘Hue & Cry’   Large open plum red flower with striking white veins. Standards are white with plum red edges. Z5 A                                                               

Iris ensata 'Murakumo'- Stunning purple flowers with light purple veins. Z6                                       

Iris ensata 'Pinstripe' - White veined with blue. Purple styles.                                                       

Iris ensata ‘Purple Velvet’ – Yellow signal Z5                                             

Iris ensata 'Rose Queen' - Classic clear pink blooms Z6                                                                  

Iris ensata 'Sorcerers Triumph' - White with purple veins. Striking tall purple standards. Z6     

Iris ensata ‘Violet’ -Soft blue purple petals w/ white veins. Standards white w/ blue purple tips.  Z6                                                                   

Iris ensata ' Yamata Ikoku' - Deep red violet, with yellow signal.         

Iris laevigata 'Royal Cartwheel' - Blue-purple blooms with white stripe. Grows to 2'            

Iris laevigata ‘Snowdrift’ – White bloom Z4    

Iris Louisiana ‘Acadian Miss’ white blooms. Grows to 3' Z5                                                            

Iris Louisiana ‘Ann Chowning' – red blooms with bright yellow signals. Award winning red!.36” tall  Z6                                                                                        

Iris Louisiana ‘Aunt Shirley’ – mauve pink. Z5                                                           

Iris Louisiana 'Black Gamecock' - Deep velvety purple bloom.Grows to 3'  Z5                                  

Iris Louisisana ‘Blue Mystery’- Bright blue flowers, large and wide.Grows to 30" Z5  

Iris Louisiana ‘Cajun White Lightning’ gently ruffled white blooms Z5                                                   

Iris Louisiana 'Cherry Bounce' - Red   ( R )                                                  

Iris Louisiana 'Clyde Redmond' -Heavy flowering bright blue with large vigorous foliage. Grow to 3' Z5                                                                         

Iris Louisiana 'Colorific' -Bicolor bloom, light red/purple and white.  Grows to 3' Z5                     

Iris Louisiana ‘Handmaiden”- Soft pink blossoms on robust, strong plant. Grows to 3' Z5       

Iris Louisiana 'King Creole'- Blue / purple bloom. Grows to 3' Z5                                                               

Iris Louisiana 'Kirk Strawn' - Early blooming red. Grows to 3'                                                        

Iris Louisiana 'Knock Out' - Very attractive red flowers. Grows to 30"                                                      

Iris Louisiana 'My Friend Dick' - Current red falls with golden yellow signals with lighter red standards . Grows 34-36"                                               

Iris Louisiana ‘Red Beans’ – Rust red Z5                                                      

Iris Louisiana ‘Red Velvet Elvis’- Ruby red falls and mauve standards. Award winning. Grows to 36"Z5                                                               

Iris Louisiana ‘Splitter Splatter’- Creamy white & yellow, randomly splattered w/beet juice purple. Z5                                                                  

Iris Louisiana  'Waihi Wedding' - Showy white blooms are full ruffled and fragrant. Grows 45"                                                              

Iris Louisiana ‘Window Shopping’- Bicolor flower with red falls and yellow standards. Grow to 30" Z5                                                                   

Iris Louisiana 'Wow Factor' - Pale yellow blooms with pronounced cinnamon veining. Grows to 43"                                                                                

Iris pseudata 'Akimatsuri' - Large ruffled creamy blooms with large yellow eye, mahogany eyelashes and peachy styles.  Grows to 35"                                                               

Iris pseudata 'Antique Brass' - Bright golden yellow with burnt red markings. Chartreuse green spring floliage. Blooms mid-late season 48"                                                          

Iris pseudata 'Ause' - Deep rose on white background, darkening as blooms age. Many buds on stems give long bloom season. Grows 40-42"                                                       

Iris pseudata 'Benibutae' - Medium purple blooms, dark purple halo, bright yellow signals. Many flowers on variegated foliage. Earl to midseason. 32" tall                                                                

Iris pseudata ‘Cascadian Snow’ Pure white, violet halo. Many blooms, 2-3 branches w/9-12 buds per stem. Chartreuse green spring foliage. Blooms mid-late season. 42" tall.                           

Iris psuedata 'Chaki'- Grows to 38" tall. Peachy rose blooms w/ a yellow eye, wine eyelashes and darker styles. Blooms early.                                               

Iris pseudata ' French Buttercream' - Large cream white blooms with violet halo on large and vigorous plant. Chartruse green spring foliage. Grow 50-60"                                                             

Iris pseudata 'Himebotaru' (Firefly) - Very round, pure white falls with bright yellow eye and dark purple eyelashes; great contrast! Heavy blooming. Grows to 35" Z4                                       

Iris pseudata 'It's a Bigun' Gorgeous strong yellow with orange-red halo and signal. Steril hybrid. Blooms midseason. Grows to 50" Z4                                                               

Iris pseudata 'Okagami' - Large white blooms have yellow centers with purple edging. Stunning award winner! Bright chartreuse foliage. 40"tall.                                                                  

Iris pseudata ' Pixie Won' - Dwarf with violet falls and yellow signals . Grows to 12-18”

Iris pseudata 'Roryu' -  Grow 42" tall. Burgundy buds open to a lemon background w/ red eye & veins, wide and ruffled falls. Blooms early                                                              

Iris pseudata 'Ryugan' - Light yellow, deep wine red halo w/ eyelashes, yellow signal. Very early to bloom, stems carry lot of flowers! 33" tall.          *Great                                                                   

Iris pseudata 'Shiryukyo' - Large ruffled purple blooms are well above the foliage. Blooms mid-late season. Z4                                                                     

Iris pseudata 'Spicy Mustard' - Bright, strong yellow with maroon halo. Grow to 42".                   

Iris pseudata ‘Tsukiyono’ – Light lavender w/ yellow signal and purple halo. Vigorous. Z4         

Iris pseudata 'Violet Swallows' - Light violet falls, dark violet halo around yellow signal. Chartreuse green spring foliage. Blooms mid-late season. Grows 50-60" Z4                       

Iris pseudata ‘Yasha’ Large dusky purple blooms, dark purple halo around yellow signals       

Iris pseudata 'Yukiyanagi'  pure white w/ nice eyelash pattern around yellow signal. Numerous blooms early, mid and late spring. 44-48" tall                                                           

Iris sibirica 'Perry Blue' - sky blue flowers w/ white markings held well above foliage. Blooms late Spring early Summer. Grows 24-36"                                                             

Iris versicolor (blue flag iris) - Violet flowers, sword-like foliage Z4                                                       

Iris versicolor ' Purple Flame' - Spectacular purple foliage in Spring, gradually fading to green. Violet purple blooms above foliage, on purple/black stems. Grows 24-36" Z3                

Iris versicolor 'Deep Rose' - Lovely with pretty pink blooms. Grows to 2'                            

Iris versicolor 'Mountain Brook' - Superior blue flag selection, blue. Grows to 2'. Z4                     

Iris virginica 'Contraband Girl' - Lavender-pink with large yellow signal. Grows 3' to 5'.  Z5       

Iris virginica 'Purple Fan' – Violet-blue blooms, strong purple foliage on new spring growth  Z5    

Plant descriptions are courtesy of Oregon Aquatics.