Overview

Iris pseudacorus 'Variegata' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Iris pseudacorus 'Variegata' grows best in full sun; some tolerate partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. Suggested uses include water gardens, pond edges, wetland areas and ornamental borders. It is native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa.

About

Iris pseudacorus 'Variegata' is a clump-forming, upright perennial — a variegated form of the yellow flag iris — valued for its architectural, sword-shaped leaves and tall habit up to 1.5 m. Leaves are often glaucous and range from sword-shaped to grassy in form. It flowers in the UK from May to July. The plant is toxic if ingested and should be sited with that in mind.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris pseudacorus

About the genus

Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and for once the naming feels entirely earned. I can't think of another genus that covers so much ground — inky purples, burnt apricots, clean whites, blues that seem lit from inside — or so many situations. There are bearded irises that want their rhizomes baked in full sun, Siberian types happy in ordinary border soil, and species that will sit contentedly at the edge of a pond. What they share is the flower: three petals standing up, three falling away, built with a kind of architectural confidence most plants never attempt. Even out of bloom the foliage earns its place — those upright fans of blue-green leaves hold a border together for months. I grow them for the fortnight in May and June when nothing else in the garden can compete, and I've made my peace with that. Some plants are for the long haul. An iris is an event.

Written by Henry

In the garden

Iris pseudacorus 'Variegata' is a cultivar of the yellow flag iris, native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa. It forms upright clumps to about 1.5 m with long, sword-like leaves that can show a glaucous (blue-green) tone. In the UK it flowers from May to July and is typically grown at pond margins and in wetland or damp-border planting where its vertical form provides structure. Give this iris a sunny position for best effect; it tolerates some light shade but prefers full sun and a south- or west-facing aspect. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly alkaline; soils described for this group include loam, chalk or sand. Exposure is not critical — the plant is rated H5–H7, meaning it is hardy in most UK gardens, including exposed sites. Suggested uses include water gardens, pond edges, wetland areas and ornamental borders where moisture and space suit its height. Take care when siting close to children or pets because the plant is toxic if ingested. Allow room for a 1.5 m upright clump and avoid placing it where accidental ingestion is likely.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight

Full sun; some tolerate partial shade

Soil type

Loam, chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Soil moisture

Well drained; Siberian and Japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil

Aspect

South or west facing

Exposure

Exposed or sheltered

UK hardiness

H5–H7

Plant details

Iris pseudacorus 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump-forming, upright

Foliage

Deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous

Height

1.5 m

Suggested uses

Water gardens, pond edges, wetland areas, ornamental borders

Native to

Europe, western Asia, northwest Africa

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris pseudacorus 'Variegata'

Cultivation

Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.

Propagation

Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.

Pest resistance

Generally trouble-free, though iris sawfly and slugs damage foliage and thrips can disfigure buds.

Disease resistance

Prone to leaf spot, and to rhizome rot wherever drainage is poor or planting too deep.

Frequently asked questions

More in the Iris genus

• 
  Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
• 
  Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
• 
  Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
• Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
• Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
• Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
• Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
• Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)