Variegated Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus ‘Variegata’)

Variegated Yellow Flag Iris | Iris pseudacorus ‘Variegata’

Stunning cream striped foliage and golden yellow flowers for pond margins and bog gardens

Variegated Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus ‘Variegata’) is a beautiful ornamental form of the native Yellow Flag Iris, combining striking cream and green striped foliage with the vibrant golden yellow flowers that have made this species a favourite amongst pond keepers and gardeners for generations. Offering both architectural structure and seasonal colour, this elegant marginal plant is perfect for pond margins, wildlife ponds, bog gardens, streams, and damp planting areas.

Unlike the standard Yellow Flag Iris, which can become very vigorous over time, Iris pseudacorus ‘Variegata’ is generally slower growing and easier to manage, making it a better choice for smaller garden ponds and ornamental water features. Its sword shaped leaves emerge in spring with bold cream striping that immediately brightens pond edges, creating interest long before the flowers appear.

From late spring into early summer, large golden yellow iris flowers rise above the foliage. These impressive blooms provide a stunning contrast against the variegated leaves and attract a wide range of pollinating insects. Even after flowering has finished, the decorative foliage continues to provide structure and colour throughout the growing season.

Growing happily in moist soil, bog gardens, or shallow water up to approximately 15cm deep, Variegated Yellow Flag Iris is extremely versatile. It can be planted directly on pond shelves, around streams, beside waterfalls, or within naturalised wetland planting schemes. The upright foliage also provides valuable shelter for frogs, newts, dragonflies, and other wildlife that thrive around ponds.

As a fully hardy perennial, this iris performs exceptionally well throughout the UK and requires very little maintenance once established. It is equally at home in formal pond settings where its architectural foliage adds structure, or wildlife ponds where its flowers and foliage help support biodiversity.

The combination of ornamental foliage, vibrant flowers, wildlife value, and reliable hardiness makes Variegated Yellow Flag Iris one of the most attractive and versatile marginal pond plants available. Whether used as a feature plant or planted in groups for greater impact, it delivers colour, texture, and elegance throughout the season.

Please note: All parts of Iris pseudacorus ‘Variegata’ are harmful if eaten.

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Key Benefits

• Beautiful cream striped foliage provides long season interest
• Large golden yellow iris flowers create a stunning display
• Slower growing than standard Yellow Flag Iris
• Suitable for pond margins, streams, and bog gardens
• Excellent wildlife and pollinator plant
• Provides shelter for amphibians and aquatic insects
• Fully hardy throughout the UK
• Adds height, structure, and colour to pond planting schemes

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Reasons to Buy

• Attractive variegated foliage from spring onwards
• Bright yellow flowers create a striking focal point
• Easier to manage than standard Yellow Flag Iris
• Perfect for both formal and wildlife ponds
• Low maintenance and highly reliable

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Care Instructions

• Plant in shallow water, pond margins, or permanently moist soil.
• Position in full sun or partial shade for the best flowering performance and strongest foliage colour.
• Cut back dead foliage during autumn or early spring to maintain a tidy appearance.
• Divide established clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth and prevent overcrowding.
• Protect newly emerging shoots from slugs and snails if required.
• Caution: Harmful if eaten.

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Flowering Period

May to July

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Size and Growing Conditions

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Variegated Yellow Flag Iris will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.

Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.

To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.

Available basket sizes:

• 3 Litre Hexagonal Basket – 18 × 18 × 16cm

Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.

Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.

Explore more marginal pond plants or browse our complete pond plants range.