Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000781
11/12/99

Iris ensata (I. kaempferi)--Japanese Iris


Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Height: 36 in Spread: 24 in
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Blue, pink, purple, white

Comments: The Japanese Iris produces large, flat, flowers
(Vis. 1) up to 8 inches in diameter, between June and
August. The plant grows best in sun or partial shade and in
a rich, moist, acid soil. Do not use lime or other pH
raising materials around Japanese Iris. The plants are
useful near water and can be left for many years without
dividing. Cut the plants back to a height of 6 inches in
the fall.

Comments: Seed can be planted outdoors in fall or early
winter to germinate in spring. They can be placed in a
moist covering and kept in the refrigerator for 6 weeks.
They germinate slowly and irregularly over a 3 to 5 weeks
period when kept at temperatures between 65 and 75
degrees.

Cultivars:
'Agoga-Kujyo' - Deep purple flowers.
'Aichi-No-Kagayaki' - Yellow flowers.
'Dark Drapery' - Royal purple flowers.
'Eleanor Perry' - Dark red flowers.
'Enchanted Swan' - White flowers with a hint of yellow.
'Flying Tigrer' - Pale purple flowers have dark purple
veins.
'Gekkeikan' - White flowers are edged with purple.
'Glitter and Glamour' - Dark purple flowers with white
spots.
'Haku-Botan' - White flowers.
Hatsukagami' - White flowers have reddish veins.
'Henry's White' - Pure white flowers.
'Ise' - Pale blue flowers are nearly white with purple
veins.
'Jodlesong' - Purple and red flowers, 28 inches.
'Maroon Giant' - Reddish purple flowers.
'Morning Mist' - Grayish blue and white flowers.
'Murakumo' - Purplish red flowers.
'Nara' - Dark purple flowers can be 9 inches across.
'Nikko' - Pale, purplish-blue flowers are darker in the
center.
'Oriental Fantasy' - Ruffled white and mauve flowers.
'Pink Frost' - Pale pink flowers.
'Pink Lady' - Pink flowers.
'Pink Pearl' - Large, pale pink flowers are darker in
the middle.
'Queen of Blues' - Pale orchid flowers have blue cast
and white veins.
'Rising Sun' - Bright yellow flowers.
'Sanko Nishiki' - Pink and white flowers, 32 inches.
'Shei Shonagon' - Light blue flowers.
'Thunder & Lightning' - White flowers with purple veins,
32 inches.
'Variegata' - Purple flowers, leaves with white
variegation.
'Waka Murasaki' - Dark purple flowers have white veins.
'Wine Ruffles' - Large, dark red flowers.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Ray
Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Lake County Nursery 1999, Weston
Nurseries 1994, White Flower Farm 1997, Wayside Gardens
1996, Sheridan Nurseries 1999, Berryhill Nurseries 1999.


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