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Japanese iris

Iris ensata

EYE-riss en-SAY-tah
Iris ensata 'Sensation'

This Laevigata iris bears 3 or 4 purple or red-purple blooms measuring 6 to 12 inches across, on single stems. Prominently ribbed leaves are 24 to 36 inches long. ‘Caprician Butterfly’ is a white, purple-veined cultivar.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsMost of the hybrids are 3 to 5 feet tall, suitable for the back of the border.

CareThrives in acidic, heavy, clay soils, and loves wet feet. Low maintenance, requiring only feeding and division every few years. Ideal for ponds, streams, or boggy areas. In beds, they require a few extra waterings in a season.

PropagationLift and divide clumps, or separate bulb offsets, and plant immediately, in early autumn.

ProblemsIris borer, verbena bud moth, whiteflies, iris weevil, thrips, slugs and snails, aphids, and nematodes.

  • Genus : Iris
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium to Wet
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
  • Flower Color : White

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