Iris ensata 'Sensation' Japanese iris (Iris ensata) EYE-riss en-SAY-tah Synonyms:  I. kaempferi Genus:  Iris This Laevigata iris bears 3 or 4 purple or red-purple blooms measuring 6 to 12 inches across, on single stems. Prominently ribbed leaves are 24 to 36 inches long. ‘Caprician Butterfly’ is a white, purple-veined cultivar. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Most of the hybrids are 3 to 5 feet tall, suitable for the back of the border. Care:  Thrives in acidic, heavy, clay soils, and loves wet feet. Low maintenance, requiring only feeding and division every few years. Ideal for ponds, streams, or boggy areas. In beds, they require a few extra waterings in a season. Propagation:  Lift and divide clumps, or separate bulb offsets, and plant immediately, in early autumn. Problems:  Iris borer, verbena bud moth, whiteflies, iris weevil, thrips, slugs and snails, aphids, and nematodes.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium to Wet Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Blue, Purple, White Uses Beds and Borders, Waterside Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Perennials