Iris ensata Fower (30/07/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist to wet
Eventual Height: 1.2m
Eventual Spread: 30cm
Hardiness: 5a – 9b
Family: Iridaceae
Iris ensata is a deciduous herbaceous perennial. Its mid green erect leaves are linear with entire margins, are up to 80cm long and 12mm broad. Its flowering stems are up to 1m tall and solid. Its dark purple flowers have a mottled yellow centre, appear on stems in groups of up to 4 above the leaves and are up to 10cm across. Its roots are thick, fleshy rhizomes.
Iris ensata, commonly known as Japanese Water Iris, Japanese Iris and Japanese Flag, is native to Japan.
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. Ensata is derived form the Latin ensis meaning ‘sword’, in reference to the shape of its leaves.
Iris ensata (30/07/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find useful Iris ensata for planting in moist soils and at pond and lake margins.
Ecologically, I. ensata is attractive to bees and pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given I. ensata their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1994.
I. ensata prefers moist to wet , deep, humus rich soils. It prefers an acidic pH of soil, although it will tolerate neutral soils..
Iris ensata requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided from mid summer to early autumn.
