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Gerald L. Klingaman
Iridaceae
Iris ensata
Japanese Iris
Japanese iris originates from China, Russia, and Japan but has been cultivated most by the Japanese. It was first popularized in the West in the late nineteenth century when it was most prized as a collector's plant. Now there are hundreds of fine cultivars available of eastern and western origin.
This tall, elegant perennial may also be called the butterfly iris, a name which describes its large, flattened flowers that come in an array of cool colors. The blooms appear in late spring to early summer atop upright stems that stand above stiff strap-like leaves of rich green. It is a clump-forming perennial that may require division ever three years or so.
Japanese iris prefers full to partial sun and is best placed in moist boggy soils, though it will tolerate good garden soil that’s evenly moist and slightly acidic. It is ideal for Japanese-themed gardens, waterside plantings or any sunny mixed border. Japanese iris are also suitable as cutflowers for garden fresh arrangements.
9 - 1
3 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
Early Summer
Russia/Siberia, China, Japan
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Clay, Loam, Sand
Wet Site
Medium
Ample Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer
Showy
Lavender, Blue Violet
Brown
Green, Light Green
Green
Green, Brown
Yes
No
Single
Matte
Bog Garden, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Water Gardens
Butterflies
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