This pond plant is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its foliage in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose it all, but then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: reliably moist or boggy soil, or aquatic compost
• Depth of water: 0-15cm
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A beautiful, moisture-loving iris that can be planted at the edges of a pond, where its upright strap-shaped foliage will offset that visual impact of the flat expanse of water. In early summer, it produces sumptuously coloured red flowers with just a flash of yellow at the base of the falls.
  
  
• Garden care: To encourage healthy growth of roots, foliage and flowers, feed with a general-purpose or slow-release aquatic fertiliser. Remove yellow or brown leaves to keep the plant healthy and the water clean. Cut water iris to just above the water line in autumn if you live in a cooler part of the country.