Japanese Water Iris 'Gracieuse': Iris ensata Cultivar

'Gracieuse' is a cultivar of the Japanese Water Iris (Iris ensata, syn. Iris kaempferi). Known as Japanese Flag or Russian Iris, this species is celebrated for its large, flat, exquisitely patterned flowers that bloom in early summer. It thrives in moist, acidic soils and is a staple of Japanese water gardens.

Taxonomic & Cultivar Details

• Family: Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee)
• Genus: Iris (EYE-ris)
• Species: ensata (en-SA-tuh)
• Cultivar: Gracieuse
• Synonym: Iris kaempferi

Iris ensata cultivars are classified by flower form (three-petal, six-petal, double) and color pattern. 'Gracieuse' (French for "graceful") likely lives up to its name with an elegant, refined flower form and a delicate coloration, perhaps in shades of lavender, pink, or white with subtle veining.