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Iris ensata, commonly named Japanese Iris, is a perennial
growing to 2 feet to 4 feet tall. It is native to Japan,
northern China to eastern Russia. Iris ensata grows in
marshes, ditches, and other wet places, even in shallow
water.
The flowers are consisting of 3 sepals and 3 petals. The
species has reddish-purple flowers; flowering in June and
July. The huge flat flowers of this beautiful Iris are
among the biggest of all. The falls flap open 6 to 8
inches wide, floating like opaque clouds atop the slender,
green stems. The flowers are hermaphrodite, they have
both male and female organs. The plant is self-fertile.
Iris ensata develops narrow, sword-shaped leaves rising 3
to 4 feet tall or more. The plant spreads by means of its
modified stems, rhizomes, which are located below the
soil surface.
Hardiness zones 5-9, (-26°C/-15°F, -5°C/25°F) in
Winter. The plant prefers light sandy and medium loamy
soils. The plant prefers slightly acid soil and well-drained
soil. It requires moist or wet soil. Plants are then best
kept in drier conditions over Winter. It cannot grow in
the shade.
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