Iris laevigata ‘Alboviolacea’ (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Late spring to early summer
Soil: Wet, poorly drained
Eventual Height: 70cm
Eventual Spread: 70cm
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Iridaceae
Iris laevigata ‘Alboviolacea’ is a deciduous, erect, herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid green erect leaves are lanceolate with entire margins and gradually narrowing to a point, up to 90cm long and 1.5cm broad. Its white hermaphrodite flowers are up to 10cm across, emerge from a branched stem which emerges from the base of the leaf cluster. Its fruit is a loculicidal capsule. Its roots are rhizomes which allow this plant to spread slowly.
Iris laevigata ‘Alboviolacea’ Flower (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens London)
The species Iris laevigata, commonly known as Japanese Iris or Smooth Iris, is native to temperate Asia. In its native habitat it grows on the banks of ponds and along stream banks.
The etymological root of the binomial name Iris is derived from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. Laevigata is derived from the Latin meaning ‘smooth’.
The landscape architect may find Iris laevigata ‘Alboviolacea’ useful as an effective spreading ground cover marginal plant with attractive flowers suitable for planting at the the edges of water bodies.
Iris laevigata ‘Alboviolacea’ Leaf (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens London)
Ecologically, Iris laevigata ‘Alboviolacea’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
Iris laevigata ‘Alboviolacea’ prefers waterlogged, humus rich, poorly drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil. Its preferred planting depth in water is 0cm to 15cm.
Iris laevigata ‘Alboviolacea’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in mid summer to early autumn.
