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Water Iris Iris laevigata

Phonetic Spelling
EYE-ris lay-vee-GAY-tuh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

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:
  • 'Variegata'
'Variegata'
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#purple flowers#nectar plant#blue flowers#low maintenance#fall interest#cottage garden#mass planting#flower arrangements#standing water tolerant#stream banks#pond margins#summer flowers#deer resistant#pond garden#summer interest#border planting#bedding plants#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#wet soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Variegata'
'Variegata'
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#purple flowers#nectar plant#blue flowers#low maintenance#fall interest#cottage garden#mass planting#flower arrangements#standing water tolerant#stream banks#pond margins#summer flowers#deer resistant#pond garden#summer interest#border planting#bedding plants#cutting garden#spring interest#pollinator plant#wet soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#wildlife friendly
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • 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
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea. Highest concentration in rhizomes
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Pentacylic terpenoids (zeorin, missourin and missouriensin)
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Roots
    Seeds