Iris ensata 'Gracieuse' - Japanese Iris, Bog Plant

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.