How to prune iris pseudacorus 'variegatus'

After flowering (early summer) for deadheading; autumn for foliage cutback. Deadhead spent flower stems at the base immediately after bloom. In autumn, use sharp shears to cut all leaves to 10–15 cm above the crown or waterline. Remove brown or damaged fans at any time.

Annually (deadhead after bloom; hard cutback each autumn). Yellow flag iris benefits from annual pruning to stay tidy and vigorous. Cut back flower stalks at the base after blooming to prevent seeding. In autumn, trim foliage to about 15 cm (6 in) above water level to reduce winter wind-rock and remove dead material. The variegated form fades to green by late summer, so cutting back also refreshes the display.

Deadhead spent flower stems at the base immediately after bloom. In autumn, use sharp shears to cut all leaves to 10–15 cm above the crown or waterline. Remove brown or damaged fans at any time.