Are the varieties of iris found in local ponds and bogs the same as those I see in many peoples home gardens, out of water?

There are many kinds of iris: bearded, Siberian, Japanese, dwarf, flag, etc. The flag iris are the truly aquatic iris but they can grow on land as long as it doesn't get too dry. Bearded iris and dwarf iris die if they're put in a pond. The bearded iris is the most common terrestrial iris you see in people's gardens. Siberian and Japanese iris are terrestrial but may survive in really shallow water so are sometimes put in ponds, at least certain varities (Japanese more so than Siberian). I'm sure I'm forgetting other families of iris!

Just a bit of caution about flag iris. The yellow flag, Iris pseudacorus, is a European species and will probalby become invasive. The Blue flag I have does better out of the water, but near waters edge. Siberian, Japanese, Rabbitear and Louisiana all like moist soils but do not want to be in the pond. They may do OK in a bog depending on soil pH and winter temperatures.

MImastergardener

What do you mean of winter temperatures?

By winter temperatures I mean the coldest average winter temperatures. The USDA Hardiness Zone map indicates what the lowest winter temperatures are across the US including Alaska and Hawaii. This can be very helpful in determining which plants may be hardy. I say may because I have purchase plants that supposedly could survive Michigan winters according to the seller, only to find that they could not.

So depending on where you live some plants may be able to stay in the water or bog area because they can tolerate the winter conditions. Others must be removed and overwintered in a more protected way.

Here is an example. I have a beautiful stand of dwarf sweet flag, Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'. It is a bright yellow green about a foot tall. It would probably not survive in the marginal planting area it inhabits in the spring, summer and fall, so I remove the pots during my winterizing procedures and set the pots sheltered area next to the deck buried about 3 inches into the soil and covered by about about six inches of leaves. They have survived beautifully and are ready to go back into the pond as soon as we are past to worst of winter-usually early May.

For more detailed information about water Irises see Complete Guide To Water Garden Plants by Helen Nash with Steve Stroupe. Great photos with pretty good information.

Good luck.

MImastergardener