Wildlife value of Blue Flag Iris — an unexpected bonus

I planted Blue Flag Iris primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. natural filtration improving water clarity and quality seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a half-barrel water garden for a small patio which allows me to watch the activity up close. peak flowering period in midsummer is the most active period for wildlife visits. planting in aquatic baskets with specialist pond compost is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. root-eating by water lily aphids or china mark moth is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.