Japanese iris
Iris ensata
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Pale violet, multi-color
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Toxicity
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Japanese iris (Iris ensata) is a perennial for borders, perennial beds, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its fragrant pale violet or multi-color flowers open in late spring and again in early to late summer, and butterflies and bees visit the blooms. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. Keep it away from pets, since it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Pairs well with Elegans hosta, Cinnamon fern, and Blue-eyed grass.
Native range
Eastern Asia and Kazakhstan.