Iris ‘Kermesina’ (Iris versicolor group) - Rich Rose-Magenta Non-Native Flag Iris for Shallow Edges (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A standout rose-magenta flag iris with intricate veining and golden signals, ‘Kermesina’ brings bold colour to the pond collar and very shallow shelf from early to mid-summer. Bred from the North American Blue Flag, it forms upright fans of sword-like foliage and showy blooms that sit beautifully against naturalistic planting. Clumps reach roughly 60-90 cm in flower with a 30-50 cm spread, happy in consistently moist to wet soil or with the crown set at water level to 0-5 cm under water (not a deep-water plant). Use it as a mid/back accent behind low edgers for a clean, layered shoreline.

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 0-5 cm water above the soil

• Setting: Naturalistic rims, damp borders, and basketed spots on the front of the shelf; pairs well with Myosotis, Brooklime, Water Mint and sedges

Planting & care

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

• Keep evenly moist; use rainwater where possible for cleaner growth

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

• Lift and divide rhizomes every 3-4 years (warm months) to refresh clumps and manage footprint

Safety (important & honest):
All irises contain compounds that can irritate skin and are toxic if ingested (people, pets, livestock). Wear gloves when dividing. Do not ingest. Keep plant material and soil out of natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Flag irises offer moderate pollinator value - open falls and signals guide bees and other visitors, while the upright fans create edge cover and emergence structure for aquatic insects. Surround with single-flowered UK natives to extend nectar across the season.

Joel says…
“‘Kermesina’ is your magenta exclamation mark - clean foliage, strong colour, and easy in shallow water. Basket it, keep the crown at water level, and split when it gets crowded.”

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.