A late flowering display of Iris is always welcome in the garden and Iris ensata var. spontanea in the Biodiversity garden fulfils this task admirably. Collected in Japan in 2007 this wild occurring variety of I. ensata was found on flat open grassland at 1075m associating with Scabiosa, Miscanthus, Hemerocallis.

Tight upright leafy spears of growth with stature; this herbaceous perennial deserves a place in the border with the bright purple flowers and delicate yellow stripe on the falls. Looking through the clump colour variation is evident which is consistent from progeny arising from wild collected seed.

Plant at pond margins or in moisture retentive soil where it will reach an ultimate height of 1.2m. Numerous cultivars have been raised, many in Japan and latterly in the west, many characterised by large petals and a flat profile over the top of the flower. Several cultivars are grown at the garden as well as the species.

Iris ensata var. spontanea

Iris ensata var. spontanea

Iris ensata var. spontanea

Iris ensata var. spontanea