Common
name: "Japanese Water Iris"
Latin name: Iris ensata
Native
to: China, Japan and Russia
Zone: 5 - 8
Winter hardy: Borderline
Water depth: 1" - 4"
Pond size: Small to Large
Flowers: Yes, reddish-purple
Height: 30" - 36" "
Spread: 18" - 24"
Pests: Aphids and water snails
Sunshine:
Pictured:
Iris ensata
Photo:
Missouri Botanic Gardens
Cultural
information: The Iris family is quite large
containing members that are terrestrial or marginal plants. The
"Japanese Water Iris" prefers to be planted in shallow
water either in a pond basket in small ponds or directly into the
substrate in larger natural ponds.
Your local Garden Center should have pre-started plants
available in the spring. Flowers can be harvest for indoor
arrangements. When cutting flowers... cut the stems on a downward
angle, at the nearest leaf sheath. Dead or dying
foliage and flowers should be removed.
