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Iridaceae
Rabbit Ear Iris
Iris laevigata
Grace at the water's edge.
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Genus
- Iris
- Native to
- Japan, China, Korea, Russia
- Bloom season
- Late Spring, Early Summer
- Type
- rhizomatous perennial
- Height
- 50–80 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- boggy, acidic, water-saturated
- Water
- high; grows in standing water
- Hardiness
- 4–9
- Lifespan
- long-lived perennial
Did you know
- The common name 'rabbit ear' comes from the upright petal standards that resemble rabbit ears.
- It is one of the few true irises that thrives with its roots completely submerged in water.
- Japanese artists have depicted this iris in ukiyo-e woodblock prints for centuries.
- The species name 'laevigata' means 'smooth', referring to the lack of a midrib on the falls.
- Iris laevigata is one of the parent species of the famous Japanese water iris hybrids.
Color meanings
Blue
elegance and clarity
Purple
courtly refinement