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Iris ensata ‘Carol Johnson’ (Japanese Iris)

Japanese Iris 'Carol Johnson', Japanese Flag 'Carol Johnson', Japanese Water Iris 'Carol Johnson', Sword-Leaved Iris 'Carol Johnson', Iris kaempferi 'Carol Johnson', Late Midseason Irises

Japanese Iris Carol Johnson, Japanese Flag Carol Johnson, Japanese Water Iris Carol Johnson, Iris kaempferi Carol Johnson, Purple Japanese Iris, Best Japanese irises, White Japanese Irises

Extremely eye-catching, Japanese Iris ‘Carol Johnson’ (Iris ensata) produces large, single flowers presenting plum-purple standards floating atop pale blue falls delicately veined violet-blue and adorned with small golden yellow throats. Elegantly rising up to 32 in. (80 cm), this late midseason Japanese Iris exhibits its exquisite blooms in early to mid-summer. After blooming, the sword-like foliage, consisting of sturdy clumps of linear green leaves with prominent midribs is also one of its most attractive garden features. Spectacular when planted in groups, this lovely Iris will excel at providing vertical interest in the garden.

  • Easy to grow, this Japanese Iris performs best in full sun or part shade, in humus-rich, medium to wet, acidic soils. It loves moisture-retentive soils and thrives in standing water, up to 6 in. deep (15 cm), during the growing season. Since Japanese Irises do not cope well with standing water and boggy soils in winter, you may want to grow yours in pots that are sunk in water during the growing season but which then are moved to dryer ground in fall and winter.
  • Will grow successfully in ordinary garden soils or perennial borders as long as it receives adequate moisture, especially during the growing season.
  • No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for slugs and snails as well as wet conditions in winter which may cause root rot.
  • Deer resistant, salt and wet soil tolerant.
  • A welcomed addition to water gardens, Japanese gardens, along pools or streams. Most spectacular when planted in large groupings where it develops a bouquet effect
  • Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early fall. Remove any dying foliage in the fall. Old flower stems may be cut down after flowering.
  • To be planted in fall or spring. Plant your rhizomes approximately 2 in. deep (5 cm). After planting, add a heavy mulch of 2 to 3 in. (5-7 cm) to help conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for irises like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris ensata
Common names Japanese Iris, Japanese Flag, Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Depth 2" (5cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Salt, Wet Soil, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Wall-Side Borders, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Japanese Garden, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Iris pseudata ‘Tsukiyono’
Iris ensata var. spontanea (Japanese Water Iris)
Iris pseudata ‘Shiryukyo’
Iris pseudata ‘Yarai’
Iris ensata ‘Lion King’ (Japanese Iris)
Iris ensata ‘Crystal Halo’ (Japanese Iris)

Recommended Companion Plants

Monarda ‘Scorpion’ (Bee Balm)
Lysimachia punctata ‘Alexander’ (Yellow Loosestrife)
Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’ (Arendsii Hybrid)
Myosotis sylvatica (Wood Forget-Me-Not)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Iris ensata (Japanese Iris)
Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris ensata
Common names Japanese Iris, Japanese Flag, Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Depth 2" (5cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Salt, Wet Soil, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Wall-Side Borders, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Japanese Garden, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Iris ensata (Japanese Iris) to pick?
Compare Now

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