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Iris ensata Gusto - Japanese Water Iris

Iris ensata Gusto
Japanese Water Iris, Sword-leaved Iris, Butterfly Iris

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More information

Iris ensata 'Gusto', a Japanese Iris with pastel-toned flowers, blue and white in colour.
Flower size
12 cm
Height at maturity
85 cm
Spread at maturity
40 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Flowering time June to July
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Description

The 'Gusto' Japanese Iris has 15cm (6in) diameter flowers, white, widely striped with pastel blue on the periphery. They bloom in late summer at 80cm (32in) in height for 3 good weeks between June and July.

The better-known Iris ensata are the name of Japanese Iris which are very different from our classic garden irises. They live in full sun or partial shade, in moist to wet soils. The 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) diameter flowers are composed of 3 large flat sepals surmounted by 3 finer petals.

Often cultivated on the banks of ponds and basins, Iris ensata, like many marsh plants, can live with their "feet" in the water during the summer but do not tolerate being submerged during the winter, especially if it is freezing. Plant them in heavy soil forming a slight depression, at the bottom of a slope or on a bank where the soil becomes humid by capillarity.

Grow Iris ensata in moist soil with Astilbes, royal ferns, loosestrifes, and Ligularias.

Iris ensata Gusto - Japanese Water Iris in pictures

Iris ensata Gusto - Japanese Water Iris (Flowering) Flowering

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time June to July
Flower size 12 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms
Flowering description White with pastel blue striations.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green
Foliage description Deciduous.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 85 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Iris

Species

ensata

Cultivar

Gusto

Family

Iridaceae

Other common names

Japanese Water Iris, Sword-leaved Iris, Butterfly Iris

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

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Planting and care

Iris Ensata prefers a damp and marshy soil, without limestone. They also tolerate a fresh soil, even if it is not waterlogged, as long as it does not dry out in summer. On the other hand, they prefer a rather dry soil in winter. We have planted them near an artificial stream, with the water level kept high during the summer. In winter, we let the level drop by about 15cm (6in), so that the stumps are above the water, as in nature where the level of rivers decreases in winter and rises again in spring with the melting of snow. Their cold resistance is excellent up to about -18°C (-0.4°F). It is further increased if the soil is dry.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Pond edge
Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil, Rich and clayey

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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