Description
Iris ensata 'Gracieuse' is a Japanese iris with large, flat flowers. In summer they open white, edged and brushed with purple and magenta-violet, with a small gold signal, above narrow, grass-like leaves.
'Gracieuse' at a glance
| Botanical name |
Iris ensata 'Gracieuse' |
| Common name |
Japanese iris |
| Plant type |
Clump-forming iris; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
Up to about 1 m tall in flower, up to 50 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Large and flat, white edged and brushed purple and magenta-violet, with a small gold signal, June and July |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade; flowers best in full sun |
| Soil |
Moist, humus-rich, acid soil; no lime |
| Pond depth |
None – wet soil at the edge; takes shallow water in summer only, never in winter |
| Hardiness |
RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C) |
| Native to |
Garden form of the Japanese iris (not UK native) |
Can 'Gracieuse' grow in a pond?
Only for part of the year. Japanese irises can stand in up to about 15 cm of water in summer, but standing water in winter rots the rhizomes. Plant it in wet soil at the pond or stream edge, with the crown above water in winter.
How to plant and care for it
It needs acid, lime-free soil and flowers best in full sun. Watch for aphids, slugs, snails, thrips and iris sawfly.
Is it poisonous?
Yes. Irises are harmful if eaten by people or pets, so wear gloves when handling it.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
