Overview
Iris laevigata is a clump forming bogs in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Iris laevigata grows best in full sun, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Temperate Asia.
About
Iris laevigata is a rhizomatous perennial that can reach up to 70 cm tall. It features upright, sword-like foliage and produces purple blooms that measure between 8 and 10 cm across, with each flower showcasing a narrow white marking at the base of its falls.
About the genus
Iris can be classified as either rhizomatous or bulbous perennials. They feature slender leaves and upright stems that support flowers characterized by three broad, spreading or drooping fall petals alongside three upright, typically smaller, standard petals. These blooms typically appear in late winter, spring, or early summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Iris laevigata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Aquatic, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Temperate Asia
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris laevigata
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist to wet, deep, humus-rich, acid soil; thrives at the margins of ponds or streams. Tolerates some lime. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division from mid-summer to early autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs, snails and iris sawfly
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Iris laevigata?
Grow in moist to wet, deep, humus-rich, acid soil; thrives at the margins of ponds or streams. Tolerates some lime. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Iris laevigata?
Iris laevigata prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris laevigata need?
Iris laevigata grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How do I prune Iris laevigata?
No pruning required.
How big does Iris laevigata grow?
Iris laevigata reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Iris laevigata hardy in the UK?
Iris laevigata has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Iris laevigata?
Propagate by division from mid-summer to early autumn.
Is Iris laevigata toxic?
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.