Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube
    GardenBeast
    • All Articles
    • Sections
      • Features
      • Food
      • Plants
      • Flowers
      • Shrubs
      • Trees
      • Palms
      • Succulents
      • Cacti
      • Backyard
      • Reviews
      • Entertainment
      • Questions
      • Homesteading
    • Free eBooks
    • About
    • Contact
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube
    GardenBeast
    Flowers

    Japanese Iris: How to Grow & Care for “Iris Ensata”

    Read our guide to Japanese Iris for everything you’ll ever need to know! Tips for planting & caring for “Iris Ensata”
    Miruna SecuianuBy Miruna SecuianuMarch 16, 2022
    Japanese Iris
    Japanese Iris: How to Grow & Care for “Iris Ensata”
    Affiliate Disclosure: We independently test & research all products reviewed on the site. We may earn a small commission if you buy through one of our links. This does not affect our reviews or placement of products on the site.

    Are you looking for a flowering plant that is elegant, delicate, and will add some colour to your outdoor space? Look no further than Iris Ensata, a.k.a Japanese Iris!

    Iris ensata, commonly known as Japanese water iris, Japanese flag, Sword-leaved iris, or Japanese iris, is a spectacular species of ornamental plants. Member of the Iridaceae family, this flower is native to various regions of Japan, Korea, China, and Russia. Despite its Asian origins, the Japanese iris is a popular and widely cultivated flowering plant appreciated by gardeners around the world.

    If you want to add this beauty to your plant family, you should know that it is a bit fussy when it comes to its growing requirements. Like most Iris species, this flower needs proper sunlight, watering, soil, and spacing conditions. But this should not discourage you! Although Japanese iris is kinda picky, you will surely manage to meet its demands and make it love you. Plus, its bewitching appearance is worth all the effort!

    Ready to learn more about the Japanese Iris? Keep reading our article!

    Table of Contents

    • About Japanese Iris
    • Japanese Iris Features: An Overview
    • Growing Japanese Iris
    • Planting Japanese Iris
    • Watering Japanese Iris
    • Propagating Japanese Iris
    • Japanese Iris Pests and Diseases
    • In Conclusion

    About Japanese Iris

    • This fabulous flower shows up in numerous natural habitats like meadows, marshes, ditches, dry sandy plains near lakes, wet grassy places, or clay-solonetz places in steppes.
    • Japanese iris comes with a generous number of cultivars. These include ‘Agripinella’, ‘Alpine Majesty’, ‘Blue Spritz’, ‘Carol Johnson’, ‘Coho’, ‘Frilled Enchantment’, ‘Magic Opal’, ‘Pink Frost’, ‘Pleasant Earlybird’, ‘Queen’s Tiara’, and ‘Variegata’. Make sure you check them out!
    • Many Iris ensata cultivars have gained the prestigious Award of Garden Merit. Some of these are ‘Aldridge Visitor’, ‘Alpine Majesty’, ‘Caprician Butterfly’, ‘Flying Tiger’, ‘Hue and Cry’, ‘Returning Tide’, and ‘Rose Queen’.
    • The name “Japanese iris” encompasses three Iris species that are very common in Japanese gardens. The term may refer to either Iris ensata, Iris laevigata, or Iris sanguinea. However, the name is usually associated with Iris ensata.
    • The leaves of this plant are a great source to produce fibre, usually a substitute for hemp. People use this fibre to make coarse cloth, ropes, baskets. The roots are also used for brooms, brushes, and other similar things.
    • Japanese iris plays an important part in traditional medicine. The roots have alterative, anthelmintic, hepatic, diuretic, vermifuge, and depurative properties. Some say that they can also prevent skin roughness and ageing.
    • Japanese iris is one of the most elegant and breathtaking Iris species. This plant is a wonderful candidate for several landscape decorations, such as Japanese gardens, water gardens, woodland gardens, borders, along streams or pools, mass plantings, specimen plantings, parks, or containers.
    • Iris ensata will look absolutely gorgeous on their own, but companion plants can bring an extra touch of colour to your garden. The most suitable companions are Astilbes, Bee Balm, Columbine, Monkshood, Mountain Laurel, Oriental Poppy, Pieris ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’, and Creeping Jenny.
    • All parts of the Japanese iris, especially the roots, are poisonous to both humans and animals. It is best to grow this flower in a spot where your curious children or pets cannot reach it. Also, it is recommended to wear protective gloves when handling these plants.
    Japanese Iris
    Japanese Iris

    Japanese Iris Features: An Overview

    • Iris ensata is a member of the Iris genus that contains about 300 species of flowering plants. This genus has some of the most superb flowers worldwide, with species like Bearded iris, Crested Iris, Dwarf iris, Iris fulva, Iris virginica, and Yellow iris.
    • Japanese iris is a herbaceous perennial plant. It emerges from rhizomes and can reach from 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) in height and up to 2 feet (60 cm) in width.
    • The foliage features dense clumps of long, linear, sword-shaped, and green leaves that can grow as long as 24 inches (60 cm). The stems that produce flowers are erect, sturdy, slightly thick, and greenish.
    • Japanese iris generally blooms throughout the midsummer, from June to July. During this period, it shows up with huge, delightful, orchid-like blossoms that measure about 10 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
    • The flowers of Iris ensata are broader and more flattened than other common Iris species. Most cultivars have veined petals and can exhibit various shades and mixes of white, yellow, lavender, purple, pink, magenta, and light blue.

    Growing Japanese Iris

    Are you concerned about how much sunlight your Japanese iris needs to receive to grow healthy and happy? Well, don’t be! As mentioned before, the fussy nature of this plant should not scare you or prevent you from bringing this amazing plant into your garden. If you live in a region with very hot summers, your Japanese iris will appreciate some afternoon shade. Other than this, you can grow this plant safely in full sunlight all year round.

    Temperature-wise, the Japanese iris grows at its best in USDA zones 4 through 9. This plant does not require particular weather to thrive, usually doing well in average temperatures. The best thing about the Japanese iris, however, is its ability to tolerate winter temperatures that drop to -4 °F (-20 °C). See? A great companion to have around!

    Japanese iris will look more than stunning if you prune it regularly. In fall, you should cut any dying foliage off your plant to give it a fresh style. Moreover, the plant will look even better if you remove all the old flower stems after blooming.

    Planting Japanese Iris

    One thing you will have to pay some extra attention to is the growing medium of Japanese iris. The roots of these plants cannot breathe if you plant them in soil that becomes too tightly packed with time. Because of this, it is super important to plant your Japanese iris in friable, loamy, and slightly acidic soils.

    Bestseller No. 1
    Outsidepride Iris Missouriensis - 1000 Seeds
    Outsidepride Iris Missouriensis - 1000 Seeds
    • Iris Missouriensis, or Wild Blue Iris, is a lovely perennial that hummingbirds love to visit. The flowers are a perfectly shaped miniature Iris, and they are usually in shades of blue and violet. They bloom in late spring and make a beautiful addition to the flower garden.
    • Wild iris is a 12 - 24 inch tall perennial growing in USDA zones 2 - 9.
    • In the wild, they are often found along stream banks or in meadows where there is adequate water. They are not drought tolerant plants. They spread from rhizomes and are long-lived, requiring little care.
    • Sowing Rate: 1 - 2 seeds per plant. Start the Wild Blue Iris seed indoors 6 – 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. To help with germination, clip off the pointed end of the seed and press it into the soil and cover with ¼ inch of soil. Keep the seed moist. With a temperature range of 64 - 72F, germination is usually within 28 days.
    • Grow Wild Blue Iris in full sun and in moist, well-drained soil. Space plants 6 - 12 inches apart.
    $6.49
    View on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 2
    Everwilde Farms - 100 Wild Blue Iris Native Wildflower Seeds - Gold Vault Jumbo Seed Packet
    Everwilde Farms - 100 Wild Blue Iris Native Wildflower Seeds - Gold Vault Jumbo Seed Packet
    • First Quality Native Wildflower Seeds – Current Lab Test Data Shown on Packet
    • Exclusive Gold Vault Packaging – Provides 3X Longer Storage than Paper or Plastic with Triple Layer Mylar Gold Foil.
    • Resealable/Reusable Zipper Bag – Perfect for Storing Excess Seeds
    • Bulk Seed is Excellent for Immediate Planting or for Long Term Storage as an Emergency Seed Vault
    • Detailed Planting Instructions on Back – Online Info also available via QR Code
    $3.25
    View on Amazon
    Bestseller No. 3
    Iris versicolor | Blue Flag | Dagger Flower| 20_Seeds
    Iris versicolor | Blue Flag | Dagger Flower| 20_Seeds
    $13.95
    View on Amazon

    Last update on 2023-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

     

    Japanese irises tend to spread like crazy through their underground rhizomes. This may easily lead to overcrowding, making your plants grow into each other’s space. Moreover, they may become more prone to fungal diseases like root rot. To prevent this from happening, you can transplant some of your Japanese irises into another area of your garden. Some of them can also go to pots.

    If you want to grow your Japanese iris around water features, we recommend you plant it in a pot. Potted specimens usually give you more flexibility since you can move them wherever you want or where the plant needs. In case you plant your Japanese iris in a container, you can even place the container in standing water during the spring and summer months. However, make sure you remove the pot from water in autumn, plant the flower along with the pot somewhere in the garden, then bring them back in the water once the spring shows its warmth.

    When it comes to fertilizing, you should know that you will have some work to do. But, really, not too much! Japanese iris is a heavy feeder that will benefit from two applications of balanced fertilizer once in spring and once more just before blooming. For optimal growth, you can also amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, once every year in spring.

    Watering Japanese Iris

    In general, the amount of water your Japanese iris will need will depend directly on the region you live in and also the time of the year. During its active growing season, in spring, this plant requires more water than other regular landscape plants typically do. But if you live in a location that has cool springs, it would be best to provide it with less water than usual.

    Luckily, in temperate zones, the Japanese iris will benefit from as much water as you can give it. But only in spring and summer! Make sure you check the soil of your plant regularly and spoil it with a drink once the top half of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the fall and winter, we suggest you avoid frequent watering because it can easily result in root rot. Water your Japanese iris only when the soil has dried out entirely. It is all about balance.

    Propagating Japanese Iris

    The easiest way to propagate your Japanese iris and fill your garden with more of them is via division. Since this plant grows and spreads vigorously, you will have plenty of propagation material from its rhizomes. And if you have too many specimens, why not gift some of them to your plant-loving family members or friends?

    To propagate your Japanese iris through division, you will first have to wait for the midsummer or early autumn to come along. Once the right season is up, you can dig out your plant from the soil. Divide its rhizomes into as many sections as you wish, but make sure each part has at least one stem attached to it. After this process, you must replant the divided sections wherever you want and enjoy their independent nature from now on. That’s it, nothing too fancy!

    If you were wondering whether you can grow Japanese Iris from seeds, the answer is yet. This is another effective method to fill your garden with these beautiful flowers. All you have to do is to sow the seeds at a depth of approximately 6mm in flats.

    The perfect seasons to sow the seeds are autumn and winter. In order to show vigorous growth, the seeds need to be exposed to at least one month of cold weather and frost. After allowing them to be exposed to cold temperatures for a while, bring the seeds indoors. If your seedlings are strong, you can transplant them to their final location in spring. If not, you can do so in autumn. In some cases, the seeds might take longer to germinate. Do not get discouraged, all you have to do is wait patiently until your plants are ready to emerge.

    It is recommended to plant your Irises at least 25 cm apart in a sunny area of your garden where they will get some shade during the afternoon. Japanese irises thrive in rich and damp soil. So, before planting them, make sure you water the soil and keep it moist for a few days. By doing so, you create the ideal marshy environment for your Irises. This applies to both garden beds and containers.

    Japanese Iris
    Japanese Iris

    Japanese Iris Pests and Diseases

    Although the Japanese iris looks very fragile, it is actually very hardy and resistant to pests. With this plant, unlike many others, you will not encounter any serious pest problems. However, on rare occasions, Japanese Irises might be affected by bacterial leaf blight, crown rot, botrytis rhizome rot, or soft rot.

    Some intruders like slugs and snails may appear once in a while. If you notice any of these two on your plant, you place traps near them to get rid of them with time. Likewise, you can create a barrier to prevent future surprises from these visitors. However, most gardeners agree that a very effective way to get rid of snails and slugs is by removing them manually whenever you encounter them.

    In Conclusion

    We know Japanese iris is not the most low-demanding plant out there, but it is surely one of the most marvellous you can find! After another thought, however, we think that you will spend more time choosing the ideal cultivar than you will do while growing and caring for it. You will not know until you give it a chance! And when you do, come back to us and share your experience in the comments!

    Are you growing Japanes Irises in your garden? Share your experience in the comment section!

    9
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleLime Tree Guide: How to Grow & Care for Lime Trees
    Next Article Mexican Sunflower Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Tithonia Rotundifolia”
    Miruna
    Miruna Secuianu
    • Website

    Miruna is an experienced content writer with a passion for gardening. She is the proud owner of an outdoor rose garden and an indoor collection of tiny succulents. She bought her first succulent 10 years ago - an adorable Echeveria Setosa. Now she owns more than 100 succulents and cacti of different colors, shapes, and sizes. Miruna is a versatile writer and, as you might have guessed, her favorite topic is gardening. Contact miruna@gardenbeast.com

    Related

    Physalis alkekengi Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Chinese Lantern”

    May 22, 2023

    How to Grow & Care for Scabiosa: A Comprehensive Guide

    May 22, 2023

    How to Grow & Care for Aster: A Comprehensive Guide

    May 22, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    Welcome

    GardenBeast is an online publication which launched in 2019 with the aim of providing the latest news, in-depth how-to guides and reviews of popular products to help you make the most from your back yards and gardens.

    Kooc Media Ltd
    Company No.05695741
    International House,
    61 Mosley Street, Manchester,
    M2 3HZ
    UK

    Email
    hello@gardenbeast.com

    Hours
    Monday—Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM
    Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM–3:00PM

    Download Free eBooks

    Download Free eBooks

    GardenBeast
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube
    • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    As Seen in GardenBeast is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
    GardenBeast™ Copyright © 2019 - 2023 Kooc Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Registered Company No.05695741 // Online Resource for Gardening

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.