Consulta Plantas

Care of the rhizomatous plant Iris pseudacorus or Yellow iris

The genus Iris, family Iridaceae, comprises 300 species of rhizomatous and bulbous plants native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Some species are: Iris pseudacorus, Iris orientalis, Iris germanica, Iris foetidissima, Iris unguicularis, Iris pumila, Iris xiphium, Iris lutescens, Iris aucheri.

Common names: Yellow flag, Yellow iris, Water flag. This species is native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa.

They are rhizomatous plants that reach 1 meter (39.37") in height. The light green leaves are sword-shaped and 1 meter (39.37") long. The pretty yellow flowers are 8 cm (3.14") long and have 3 drooping outer petals and 3 erect inner petals. They bloom from spring to early summer. They produce capsule shaped fruits.

They are used next to ponds, waterways and in shallow water gardens. They are also used for cut flowers and in pots and planters.

Iris pseudacorus can grow in full sun or light shade exposures. They resist frosts down to -8 ºC (17.6 ºF).

The soil must contain organic matter and be well drained. The rhizomes are planted in autumn or winter at a distance of 50 cm (19.68 ºF) between specimens.

If the specimens are not planted in the water they need abundant irrigation. They do not resist drought.

Fertilize with compost at the time of planting.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They propagate by division of rhizomes during the fall or early spring.

Images of the rhizomatous plant Iris pseudacorus or Yellow iris