Wikimedia Commons
Iridaceae
Japanese Water Iris
Iris ensata
Refined artistry and the elegance of water.
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Genus
- Iris
- Native to
- Japan, China, Korea, Russia
- Bloom season
- Early Summer, Midsummer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 60–120 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- moist to wet, acidic
- Water
- high
- Hardiness
- 4–9
- Lifespan
- perennial; clumps thrive for decades
Did you know
- Japanese water irises have been bred for over 500 years, with some cultivars having enormous flat blooms up to 25 cm across.
- Unlike bearded irises, water irises need acidic, consistently moist soil and will decline in alkaline or dry conditions.
- In Japan, Iris ensata gardens flood the beds during bloom to create the effect of flowers floating on mirrors of water.
- There are estimated to be over 5,000 named cultivars across Japan, many kept exclusively by specialist nurseries.
- The species was historically called Iris kaempferi until taxonomists corrected the name, honoring its 'sword-shaped' leaves.
Color meanings
Purple
noble refinement
Blue
tranquil depth
White
spiritual purity
Pink
graceful affection
Lavender
enchanted calm