Iris laevigata
Smooth iris, Asiatic swamp iris, Rabbit ear iris
- Height × spread
- 0.6m – 0.6m × 0.3m – 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available as bulbs in Autumn, plants in Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A summer flowering Japanese water iris, perfect for year-round colour and interest at pond margins. Its distinctive blooms come in blue, purple or white, held aloft by sturdy stems. It can be planted in water up to 10cm deep and the sword-shaped evergreen foliage creates an attractive pond edge all year. Grows to a height/spread of around 60cm x 30cm.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Purple, White
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.6m – 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Water garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Water depth
- Up to 15cm
- Use for
- Rabbit resistant
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Compost · Outdoors
Houseplant compost for repotting
Repot using any good quality house plant compost.
Planting
Divide when congested
When rhizomes have become very congested they can be separated or cut. Dust any cut surfaces with a fungicide and replant them. Throw away any poor or diseased segments.
Found in
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