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 cottage and informal garden, coastal and flower borders and beds.
About
Iris laevigata, known as Japanese iris, rabbit-ear iris, or shallow-flowered iris (Japanese: kakitsubata カキツバタ), is a species of flowering plant in the family Iridaceae, native to Japan. It is related to other members of Iris subgenus Limniris, including other species of Japanese irises. It is found growing in shallow waters and seems to prefer marshy and still ponds, although it can also be grown in damp soil if conditions are right. Flowers are usually blue, purple, or violet and have unique colour patterns, including some types with predominantly white flowers with blue spots (washino-o), and dark purples bordered with white (maikujaku). It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and clay and loam soil. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, poorly-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Iris laevigata
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
- 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
- Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris laevigata
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Aphid-borne viruses, Bacterial soft rot, Grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
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 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 an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Iris laevigata?
Division, Seed.
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)
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