Japanese Iris
(Iris japonica)
Japanese Iris (Iris japonica)
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Se Lena
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Se Lena
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Se Lena | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Se Lena | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-03-27T15:46:46-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Iris japonica, commonly known as Japanese Iris, is an evergreen perennial herb that is native to forest margins and stream banks in East Asia, particularly in China and Japan. It typically grows to a height of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) with a similar spread. Japanese Iris has a clumping habit with broad, sword-like leaves and produces delicate, orchid-like flowers that are usually white with blue or purple patterning, blooming in the spring. The flowers are quite showy and can add a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
Japanese Iris is valued for its striking foliage and beautiful, intricate flowers. It is often used in mixed flower borders, as ground cover, and in container plantings for patios or sheltered positions. While it can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade, it thrives in partial shade. It is particularly well-suited to Mediterranean climates and can be grown in cool greenhouses in frost-prone areas. After flowering, it is recommended to remove stems and dead leaves to maintain tidiness and promote vigorous growth for the following year. In cultivation, it requires medium amounts of water and prefers soils with slow to medium drainage. Despite its beauty, Iris japonica can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions, and care should be taken to avoid waterlogged soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Japanese Iris is valued for its striking foliage and beautiful, intricate flowers. It is often used in mixed flower borders, as ground cover, and in container plantings for patios or sheltered positions. While it can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade, it thrives in partial shade. It is particularly well-suited to Mediterranean climates and can be grown in cool greenhouses in frost-prone areas. After flowering, it is recommended to remove stems and dead leaves to maintain tidiness and promote vigorous growth for the following year. In cultivation, it requires medium amounts of water and prefers soils with slow to medium drainage. Despite its beauty, Iris japonica can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions, and care should be taken to avoid waterlogged soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.8-1 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Forest margins and stream banks in East Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Fringed Iris, Shaga, Butterfly Flower, Butterfly Flower Fringed Iris, Butterfly-Flower, Fransiris, 日本鳶尾;白花射干;金剪刀, Hu Die Hua
Scientific Names: , Iris japonica, Iris chinensis, Iris japonica f. pallescens, Iris fimbriata, Moraea fimbriata, Evansia chinensis, Evansia fimbriata, Evansia japonica, Iris japonica f. japonica
GBIF Accepted Name: Iris japonica Thunb.