Plants: Iris ensata - Japanese Water Iris

Iris ensata - Japanese Water Iris

Japanese iris (Iris ensata or kaempferi) have the largest flowers of all irises, some being about 30cm across. They have been bred for over 200 years in Japan and also during the last century in the USA. So today, there is a range of flower shapes and patterns, as well as a range of colours. The foliage is also an added benefit as it provides a vertical interest over a long period and is suited to both formal and informal settings. They are relatively easy to grow as long as you remember that they don't like drying-out. They are excellent in the water garden as a marginal plant