How to Grow and Care for Japanese Iris

Japanese Iris, also known as Japanese Water Iris, Hanashōbu

Japanese Iris thrive in moist, acidic soils and require ample water, particularly before and during the flowering season. They are best planted in full sun to partial shade. A special care point is that japanese Iris need to be protected from late frost, which can damage blooms. Due to their specific moisture and soil pH requirements, they may need more attention compared to more common garden plants.

Watering schedule: Twice per week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Japanese Iris

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Twice per week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	4-9
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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Varieties of Japanese Iris

Japanese iris 'Rose Queen'

Japanese iris 'Rose Queen' features stunning rose-pink blossoms with a unique, frilly appearance that emerge in midsummer. Each flower is delicately perched atop a sturdy, upright stem, contrasting beautifully with the sword-shaped, vibrant green foliage. This regal resident of moist environments thrives best near water bodies, where its rhizomes spread, adding allure to water gardens and boggy areas.

Japanese iris 'Summer Storm'

Unlike other cultivars in its family, the japanese iris 'Summer Storm' blooms very late in the spring and into the summer. It is the result of a crossing between the Hisakata and Kuro-Kumo. The meaning of its name has not been disclosed. Gardeners looking for a reliable purple cultivar will be interested in the japanese iris 'Summer Storm' as a cut flower.

Japanese iris 'White Ladies'

Japanese iris 'White Ladies' sports elegant white blossoms with yellow and green markings, unfurling on tall stems above sword-like foliage. Thriving in moist, acidic soil, this regal perennial favors wetlands, embodying grace in water garden planting schemes. Its blooms, resembling ornate fans, are a summer spectacle, enticing both gardeners and pollinators alike.

Japanese iris 'Coho'

The japanese iris 'Coho' possesses an elegant color that sets this hybrid apart from other irises, and it blooms exceptionally early in the summer season too. Japanese iris 'Coho' is derived from the Japanese iris, its flower color is the same delicate pink as the flesh of the coho salmon, explaining its name. Its early blooms and subtle color make it a fine addition to gardens.

Japanese iris 'Katy Mendez'

Japanese iris 'Katy Mendez' is a Japanese Iris hybridized in 1989 by Currier McEwen, who gave it its name. It differs from other Japanese Irises because of its lovely flower color, which features pale purple-blue petals intricately veined with deep purple. Then, in the center of the petal, there is a patch of bright yellow. This perennial is a popular feature in flower borders, beds, and informal gardens.

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The Toxicity of Japanese Iris

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More General Info About Japanese Iris

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Japanese Iris displays a captivating, flat bloom measuring 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 cm) characterized by a truncated standard, boasting one to several flowers per stem. The stems can reach a height of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters), presenting an impressive stature in the plant world. This perennial reveals its beauty in mid-summer with flowers that can be single or double and feature a diverse array of colors and striking patterns. Notably, japanese Iris thrives in damp, acidic soils with ample moisture, especially flourishing at water edges.