fringed iris
Iris japonica
RHS AGM 1994
USDA zones7 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size9 to 12 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Pale blue to white with yellow crests
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Fringed iris (Iris japonica) is a perennial for borders, containers, shade gardens, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. The fragrant pale blue to white flowers have yellow crests and open in spring and again in summer. The evergreen leaves arch and stay green all year. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Autumn fern, Mondo grass, and Bush honeysuckle.
Native range
Europe.