Iris ensata 'Harlequinesque' - Japanese Iris, Bog Plant

Iris ensata 'Harlequinesque' is a Japanese iris with heavily ruffled flowers up to about 20 cm across. In June and July they open white with a broad, feathered purple to violet edge and speckling, and a yellow flash at the base of each fall.

'Harlequinesque' at a glance

Botanical name	Iris ensata 'Harlequinesque'
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	White, broadly edged and speckled purple to violet, with a yellow flash, up to about 20 cm across, June and July
Position	Full sun or part shade; flowers best in full sun
Soil	Moist to wet, humus-rich, lime-free clay or loam
Pond depth	None – wet soil, with the crown above winter water level
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 'Harlequinesque' grow in a pond?

Only at the very edge, and not in winter. One nursery says the roots can stand in water in the growing season but should come out of the water for winter to avoid root rot, and the RHS says to avoid winter waterlogging. Plant it in wet soil with the crown above winter water level.

How to plant and care for it

Plant in moist, humus-rich, lime-free soil; it 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.