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Iris laevigata (Water Iris)

Water Iris, Rabbit-Ear Iris, Japanese Iris, Smooth Iris

Iris Laevigata, Water Iris, Rabbit-Ear Iris, Japanese Iris, Smooth Iris, Iris for Ponds, Perennial for wet soil, Perennial for poorly drained soils, Purple Flowers

The most aquatic of all irises, Iris laevigata, commonly known as Water Iris, is a rhizomatous perennial with striking three petalled, rich royal blue flowers, 3-4 in. wide (8-10 cm), adorned with broad pendant falls exhibiting a white central ridge and slightly narrower, upright standards. On display from late spring to early summer, this Iris flowers in abundance and may repeat bloom. The beauty of the flowers is equaled by the unique lime-green foliage, consisting of sturdy clumps of erect, sword-shaped leaves. Very handsome in and out of bloom, Iris laevigata has been long admired both in writings and in the garden.

  • Graceful and vigorous, this strong performer is easy to grow and low maintenance!
  • Most spectacular when planted in large groupings where it develops a bouquet effect and rises up to 30 in. (75 cm). Clumps will spread steadily over time.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in acidic, moist to wet, humus-rich soils. For maximum flower production, provide full sun exposure and a site with 2-8 in. of water over its soil (5-20 cm). Tolerates some lime.
  • A welcomed addition to beds, borders, cottage gardens, city gardens, bog gardens, water gardens and near streams or ponds, where it will provide excellent color contrast.
  • Cut back after flowering.
  • Attractive to hummingbirds, but ignored by deer!
  • 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 temperate Asia

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 5 - 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 other species
Common names Water Iris, Iris, Japanese Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Iris virginica var. shrevei (Southern Blue Flag)
Iris latifolia (English Iris)
Iris lactea (Milky Iris)
Iris chrysographes (Gold-Marked Iris)
Iris macrosiphon (Long Tubed Iris)
Iris hexagona (Dixie Iris)

Recommended Companion Plants

Primula pulverulenta (Candelabra Primrose)
Carex elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Pretty Plant Combination for Moist Soils: Water Iris, Spurge and Hosta
Native Plant Alternatives to Iris pseudacorus (Yellow 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 5 - 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 other species
Common names Water Iris, Iris, Japanese Iris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Iris Species
Not sure which Iris Species to pick?
Compare Now

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