Iris ‘Alba’ (Iris pseudacorus - white-flowered Cultivar of a Native) – Elegant Flag Iris for Shallow Shelves (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A striking white-flowered form of our native Yellow Flag, Iris ‘Alba’ brings tall, elegant blooms with soft cream-white falls and subtle veining in late spring to early summer. Upright, sword-like foliage gives strong architectural verticals at the pond collar and very shallow shelf, while clumps provide edge cover and emergence stems for aquatic insects. Expect around 70-110 cm in bloom with a 40-60 cm spread when established. Best with the crown at water level or 0-10(-15) cm under water, or in reliably moist to wet soil just outside the liner. Use as a mid/back accent behind low edgers for a clean, layered shoreline; pairs beautifully with blues and pinks for contrast.

Where it thrives

• Light: Full sun to light/partial shade (best flowering in sun)

• Moisture/Zone: Pond collar / very shallow shelf; crown at water level or with 0-10(-15) cm water over the soil

• Setting: Naturalistic rims, basketed positions on the shelf, or damp borders that stay wet

Planting & care

• Plant rhizomes in a mesh aquatic basket with peat-free aquatic/bog compost; top with washed grit to prevent float

• Remove spent stems after flowering; cut back old foliage in late winter/early spring

• Lift and divide every 3-4 years (warm months) to refresh and manage clump size

• Keep trimmings and soil out of natural watercourses; compost well away from streams/drains

Safety (important & honest):
All irises can irritate skin/eyes and are toxic if ingested (people, pets, livestock). Wear gloves when dividing; do not ingest.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Like the species, this flag iris offers useful structure and emergence stems. Flowers are moderately used by bees/visitors; for stronger nectar provision, surround with single-flowered UK natives to keep forage running through the season.

Joel says…
“‘Alba’ gives you the native flag look but in clean white - crisp, architectural and easy. Basket shallow, keep the crown at water level, and split when the clump swells.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are ordering perennials between the months of October and March, including aquatic plants, please be aware that this is the dormant phase for perennials, so your plants may arrive showing potentially little or no top growth at this stage, or can in some cases still have some old leaves from last year showing also. Please don't worry, as this is all quite normal. Once the weather warms up in spring, you will start to see fresh growth and activity! If you ever have any concerns at all, please just message the team on enquiries@wildyourgarden.com and we'll always do our best to help.