Iris ensata
Japanese Swamp Iris
Common names: Japanese Iris, Swamp Iris
Photo: Dr. Alexey Yakovlev · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Japanese swamp iris (Iris ensata) is a large‑flowered perennial suited to wet beds and the shallow water edge of a pond. Its flowers bloom from June to July in white, blue, violet, and pink, often with fine veining on the broad petals. Unlike many other irises, it prefers permanently moist to wet conditions and can tolerate standing water for a period. It dislikes lime; an acidic to neutral soil is required. The plant provides nectar for bees and other insects in early summer. Like all irises, it is poisonous if ingested, especially the rhizome, and its sap can irritate skin.
Care instructions
Plant the Japanese iris in nutrient‑rich, permanently moist to wet soil, ideally at the pond edge with 5–10 cm of water overtop in summer or in a wet bed. Choose a sunny to slightly shaded location; full sun encourages most flowers. Use lime‑free substrate, such as rhododendron soil or rainwater, otherwise leaves may yellow. Divide the clumps every 3–4 years in spring or immediately after flowering to prevent lankiness. In winter the root ball should not dry out completely; at the pond edge this is usually not an issue, while in a bed a mulch layer helps protect against frost‑dryness.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, clayey
Feeding
Medium feeder
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