Iris ensata ‘Ice Cream’ — Japanese Iris

Description

Iris ensata ‘Ice Cream’ is a Japanese iris with large pale flowers and soft lavender tones. The blooms rise above upright green leaves in early to mid-summer.

This iris likes more moisture than many common garden iris. It is a good choice for pond edges, rain gardens, and moist perennial beds.

Light

Grow it in full sun to part shade. Good light helps support strong bloom. For a drier garden iris, compare it with Bearded Iris.

Water and Soil

Keep the soil rich and evenly moist while the plant is growing. Do not let it dry hard during bloom. A moist bed can also suit plants such as Farfugium ‘Firefly’.

Planting and Care

Plant the rhizome near the soil surface. Remove old flower stems after bloom. Divide crowded clumps when growth begins to weaken.

Garden Use

Use ‘Ice Cream’ near water or in a bed that stays moist. Its upright form also works well with the softer foliage of Bamboo Iris ‘Chengdu’.