Iris ensata 'Gracieuse' is a Japanese iris with large, flat flowers. In summer they open white, edged and brushed with purple and magenta-violet, with a small gold signal, above narrow, grass-like leaves.

'Gracieuse' at a glance

Botanical name Iris ensata 'Gracieuse'
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 Large and flat, white edged and brushed purple and magenta-violet, with a small gold signal, June and July
Position Full sun or part shade; flowers best in full sun
Soil Moist, humus-rich, acid soil; no lime
Pond depth None – wet soil at the edge; takes shallow water in summer only, never in winter
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 'Gracieuse' grow in a pond?

Only for part of the year. Japanese irises can stand in up to about 15 cm of water in summer, but standing water in winter rots the rhizomes. Plant it in wet soil at the pond or stream edge, with the crown above water in winter.

How to plant and care for it

It needs acid, lime-free soil and 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.

Pond depth: 0cm

Light: Full sun or part shade

Hardiness: Hardy

Height and spread: 80 - 120cm tall, 30 - 50cm wide

Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.

Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.

Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.

Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.

2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.

At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.

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