Iris Japonica Plant

Fringed Iris

Family

Iridaceae

Origin

China & Japan

Description

Iris japonica (Fringed Iris) is an evergreen rhizomatous perennial with white or pale blue, orchid-like flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with deep purple and conspicuous orange crests on each fringed fall. Blooming profusely in late spring to early summer, they are borne on branched stems and rise above handsome fans of glossy, sword-shaped, evergreen foliage. 

Iris Japonica is an evergreen perennial known for its delicate lilac flowers with fringed petals. It blooms from February to April in plains and from March to May in hilly regions. Planting is recommended from October to November in both plains and hills.

Environment

Grow fortnight lilies in light, dappled shade to nearly full sun. Once established, fortnight lilies tolerate poor, dry soils, but do best in a well drained soil with regular watering during the growing season.

Iris reach optimum growth when protected from afternoon sun and planted in garden soil with good drainage.

It is very versatile and can be planted in various mediums from moderately dry soils to wetlands.Plants grow to 4 or 5 feet tall in standing water, making it ideal for water gardens and wet soil.They reach about 2 to 3 feet in soil.

Cut the spent blooms off of the spike to encourage rebloom on the same stalk.

Landscape Use

Useful under trees, attractive in rock gardens or in flower beds, Fringed Iris works well as a container plant too.