Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' (Fringed Iris) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' grows best in full sun; some tolerate partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5–H7. It is native to China and Japan.

About

Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the iris family with sword-shaped foliage that is often glaucous. It typically reaches about 0.6 m and flowers in the UK from May to July. Plants perform best in neutral to slightly alkaline loam, chalk or sand that drains freely yet can hold some moisture. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some partial shade and suits south- or west-facing positions.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris japonica

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

In the garden

Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' hails from China and Japan and sits within the Iridaceae. As an upright, clump-forming perennial it gives a compact vertical accent to the border and develops a clear fan of sword-shaped leaves that often show a glaucous (blue-green) bloom. Plant into loam, chalk or sandy soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline; although free drainage is important, Japanese-type irises respond well where the soil can retain moisture through dry periods. Place in a south- or west-facing spot in full sun where possible, but accept some partial shade if available. The species tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites and is rated H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy) in the UK, so it will survive typical winter conditions across much of the country. At around 0.6 m tall, Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' suits the middle of a mixed perennial border or a dedicated iris bed where its May to July flowers can be seen clearly. Its glaucous, sword-shaped leaves remain a defining feature after flowering and help the clump hold a neat, architectural shape through the growing season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Iris

Sunlight: Full sun; some tolerate partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; Siberian and Japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5–H7

Plant details

Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Foliage: Deciduous or evergreen; sword-shaped to grassy, often glaucous
Height: 0.6 m
Native to: China, Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety'

Cultivation: Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.
Propagation: Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.
Pest resistance: Generally trouble-free, though iris sawfly and slugs damage foliage and thrips can disfigure buds.
Disease resistance: Prone to leaf spot, and to rhizome rot wherever drainage is poor or planting too deep.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety'?

Plant bearded irises with the top of the rhizome exposed so it can bake in summer sun; beardless kinds sit just below the surface in richer, damper ground. Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser after flowering and keep the rhizomes clear of mulch and encroaching neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety'?

Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' prefers full sun; some tolerate partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' need?

Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' grows best in loam and chalk or sand; sharply drained for bearded kinds soil. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; siberian and japanese kinds need moisture-retentive soil.

How do I prune Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety'?

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Trim the outer leaves back by about half in late autumn to reduce overwintering fungal spores, leaving the central fan intact.

How big does Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' grow?

Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' hardy in the UK?

Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Iris japonica 'Ledger's Variety'?

Divide rhizomes six to eight weeks after flowering, discarding the old woody centre and replanting vigorous outer sections. Species come from seed, but named cultivars will not come true.

More in the Iris genus

Browse all Iris →