Iris ensata var. spontanea (Japanese Water Iris)
Japanese Water Iris, Iris kaempferi var. spontanea
Iris ensata var. spontanea (Japanese Water Iris) is a clump-forming perennial with large, bright purple flowers adorned with a delicate yellow stripe on the falls. Elegantly rising to 36 in. (90 cm), this Japanese Water Iris blooms in early to mid-summer. After blooming, the sword-like foliage, consisting of erect, narrow leaves is also one of its most attractive garden features. Great for bog gardens, pond margins, or moisture-retentive soil.
- Easy to grow, this Japanese Water Iris performs best in full sun to part shade, in humus-rich, moist 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.
- 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.
- No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for slugs and snails.
- Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early autumn. Remove any dying foliage in the fall. Old flower stems may be cut down after flowering.
- All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
- Native to Japan.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Iris ensata |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing |
18" - 36" (50cm - 90cm) |
| Depth | 2" (10cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | High |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid |
| Soil Drainage | Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | 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 | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
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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.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Iris ensata |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing |
18" - 36" (50cm - 90cm) |
| Depth | 2" (10cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | High |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid |
| Soil Drainage | Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | 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 | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
