Japanese Iris ‘Japanese Clematis Iris’ - Large, Flat Non-Native Blooms for Pond Edges & Damp Borders (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

Famed for broad, clematis-like flowers held above elegant, sworded foliage, Japanese Iris (Iris ensata) brings high drama to damp borders and the pond collar from early-midsummer. The huge, often flat, ruffled blooms show rich colour and fine veining on tall, upright fans, giving a refined, Japanese-garden feel without overpowering the rim. Clumps reach about 70-100 cm in bloom with a 40-60 cm spread, thriving in consistently moist to wet, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil. Unlike flag irises, ensata is not for submersion - keep the crown just above water level in a bog pocket or very damp ground. Fabulous as a mid/back accent behind low natives and sedges for a layered shoreline.

Where it thrives

• Light: Full sun to light/partial shade (best flowering in sun)

• Moisture/Zone: Pond collar / bog garden in moist-wet soil; do not submerge the crown

• Soil: Moisture-retentive, peat-free, humus-rich and slightly acidic; add leaf-mould/ericaceous compost; rainwater preferred in hard-water areas

• Setting: Damp borders, Japanese-style plantings, and basketed bog pockets just above water level

Planting & care

• Prepare a generous pocket of peat-free, humus-rich, slightly acidic compost; plant crowns level with the soil and mulch annually to lock in moisture.

• Water reliably in the growing season - ensata sulks if it dries out.

• Deadhead after flowering; cut back old leaves in late winter/early spring.

• Lift and divide every 3 to 4 years (late summer after flowering) to refresh clumps and maintain peak flowering.

• Keep trimmings and soil out of natural watercourses.

Safety (important & honest):
All irises can irritate skin/eyes and are toxic if ingested (people, pets, livestock). Wear gloves when dividing; do not ingest.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Japanese irises offer moderate pollinator value - open signals guide visiting bees - but their key pond-edge value is structure and shelter. Surround with single-flowered UK natives to provide strong nectar through the season while ensata supplies the show.

Joel says…
“Think ‘big, painterly plates’ on elegant fans. Keep ensata damp and a touch acidic, never submerged, and it’ll give you festival-grade flowers every summer.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are ordering perennials between the months of October and March, including aquatic plants, please be aware that this is the dormant phase for perennials, so your plants may arrive showing potentially little or no top growth at this stage, or can in some cases still have some old leaves from last year showing also. Please don't worry, as this is all quite normal. Once the weather warms up in spring, you will start to see fresh growth and activity! If you ever have any concerns at all, please just message the team on enquiries@wildyourgarden.com and we'll always do our best to help.