Water Iris Iris laevigata
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-ris lay-vee-GAY-tuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Rabbit-Ear or Water Iris is a low maintenance perennial, native to the Far East, and ideal for a spot in the yard that has frequent standing water. In its native environment, it is often found growing in shallow water and prefers marshy and still ponds. It can also be grown in damp soil if conditions are right. This plant differs from other irises in its dependence on water. Germination from seed may be erratic, but once underway, it is easy to grow and will bloom from late spring to early summer and, sometimes, into the fall.
Flowers are usually blue, purple or violet and have unique color patterns including some types with predominantly white flowers with blue spots and dark purples bordered with white. For the best flowering, it needs a location with full sun, soils that are acidic, rich, and have 2"-8" of standing water. It will tolerate partial shade and some alkalinity in the soil. It looks great planted in large groups along ponds, or streams or in a damp location in a border or cottage garden.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Watch for slugs and snails.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Variegata'
- 'Variegata'
- 'Variegata'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Variegata'
- 'Variegata'
- 'Variegata'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- laevigata
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southern Siberia to Japan
- Wildlife Value:
- Flowers attract hummingbirds.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- deer damage
- Edibility:
- Can be toxic to cattle.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Bulb
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Showy purple flowers 4 inches wide appear in late spring and last through early summer. They can occasionally rebloom in the fall.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Acicular
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Narrow strap-shaped upright leaves with entire margins that are erect. Differs from most Iris in that it lacks the strong midrib of the foliage.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Riparian
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Hummingbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Wet Soil
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
