Siberian Iris ‘Siberian Flag’ (Iris sibirica group) - Vivid Non-Native Iris for Damp Borders & Pond Edges (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A vibrant Siberian iris with rich, saturated blooms and clean, grass-like foliage, ‘Siberian Flag’ brings a sharp colour hit from late spring into early summer. Unlike bearded irises, Iris sibirica has narrow, arching leaves that stay neat after flowering, giving a refined, meadow-by-the-water look. Clumps reach roughly 60-90 cm in flower with a 40-60 cm spread, thriving in consistently moist, humus-rich soil at the pond collar or in damp borders (it’s not a submerged plant). The upright fans provide edge structure and emergence stems for aquatic insects, while the open falls and signals are moderately used by bees. Excellent for adding bold colour behind low edgers without bulk.

Where it thrives

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

• Moisture/Zone: Pond collar / damp border; keep soil moist to wet but do not submerge the crown

• Soil: Fertile, peat-free, moisture-retentive; appreciates added leaf-mould; tolerates heavier clay if not waterlogged

Planting & care

• Plant in enriched, peat-free soil/compost; water to establish and mulch annually to lock in moisture

• Deadhead after bloom; cut back old leaves in late winter/early spring to refresh

• Divide every 3-4 years (late summer/autumn after flowering) to maintain vigour and manage size

• For tidy pond edges, basket-plant in a bog pocket or set just above water level in consistently damp ground

Safety (important & honest):
All irises can irritate skin/eyes 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:
Siberian irises offer moderate pollinator value; the real win at the rim is structure and emergence support. Team with single-flowered UK natives nearby to provide strong nectar across the season.

Joel says…
“‘Siberian Flag’ is colour with manners - glossy leaves, vivid flowers, and it loves a moist collar. Keep the soil rich and damp, trim after bloom, and split when clumps thicken.”

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.