Overview
Iris ensata 'Purple East' is a clump-forming perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Iris ensata 'Purple East' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include water gardens, borders and pond edges. It is native to Japan, China, Korea and Russia.
About
Iris ensata, the Japanese iris or Japanese water iris, formerly I. kaempferi, is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Japan, China, Korea and Russia, and widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris ensata
About the genus
Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and for once the naming feels entirely earned. I can't think of another genus that covers so much ground — inky purples, burnt apricots, clean whites, blues that seem lit from inside — or so many situations. There are bearded irises that want their rhizomes baked in full sun, Siberian types happy in ordinary border soil, and species that will sit contentedly at the edge of a pond. What they share is the flower: three petals standing up, three falling away, built with a kind of architectural confidence most plants never attempt. Even out of bloom the foliage earns its place — those upright fans of blue-green leaves hold a border together for months. I grow them for the fortnight in May and June when nothing else in the garden can compete, and I've made my peace with that. Some plants are for the long haul. An iris is an event.
Written by Henry
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris ensata 'Purple East' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- water gardens, borders, pond edges
- Native to
- Japan, China, Korea, Russia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris ensata 'Purple East'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, acidic to neutral soil; plant rhizomes shallowly in spring or fall; requires full sun to partial shade
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers and dead foliage to maintain appearance and reduce disease
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in late summer or early fall
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Iris ensata 'Purple East'?
Prefers moist, acidic to neutral soil; plant rhizomes shallowly in spring or fall; requires full sun to partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Iris ensata 'Purple East'?
Iris ensata 'Purple East' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris ensata 'Purple East' need?
Iris ensata 'Purple East' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Iris ensata 'Purple East'?
Remove spent flowers and dead foliage to maintain appearance and reduce disease.
How big does Iris ensata 'Purple East' grow?
Iris ensata 'Purple East' reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Iris ensata 'Purple East' hardy in the UK?
Iris ensata 'Purple East' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Iris ensata 'Purple East'?
Division of rhizomes in late summer or early fall.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)