Iris ensata, Japanese Iris Ice Cream

Description

Large Japanese Irises are not only pleasant to look at, but also have a lovely fragrance. Flowers are periwinkle-blue with white edges and a touch of yellow in the throat, and they reach a size of approximately 6-8 inches across. Prefer damp sites, but can be grown in an average flower border with supplemental watering.

Japanese Irises make excellent cut flowers, and will last for up to a week in a vase. They can also be dried and used in dried arrangements. To dry Japanese Irises, cut the stems when the flowers are just beginning to fade and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place until they are completely dry.

Plants will bloom in mid- to late-summer. Cut back spent flower stalks to encourage additional blooming. In very cold areas, Japanese Irises may be killed to the ground by winter weather, but they will quickly rebound in the spring. Propagate by division of clumps in early spring.