Iris for Ponds & Water Features
- Kerri A. Bailey, BS CH
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
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.
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