Iris laevigata
rabbitear iris
Overview
Iris laevigata is a rhizomatous, marginal aquatic perennial reaching 24-32 inches (60-80 cm) tall, forming clumps 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Leaves are sword-shaped, smooth, 12-28 inches (30-70 cm) long and 0.75-1.25 inches (2-3 cm) wide, lacking the raised midrib seen in some related irises. Flowers open in early summer, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) across, with three broad drooping falls and three smaller upright standards, in shades of violet-blue; white and patterned cultivars also occur. Each stem carries 2-4 flowers. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Foliage stays green into autumn before dying back. Plants grow in standing water 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) deep or in permanently wet soil, and decline in ground that dries out. Rhizomes spread steadily and crowd the clump over time.
Native Range
Native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, northern China, and eastern Russia, where it grows in shallow water at the margins of ponds, marshes, and slow streams.Suggested Uses
Grown at pond and stream margins, in bog gardens, and in containers standing in water, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Suited to the shallow-water shelf of garden ponds. Combines with other moisture-loving marginal plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 2'8"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Bloom Information
Blooms in early summer, late May to June, slightly earlier than Iris ensata. Individual clumps flower for 2-3 weeks. Some cultivars produce a lighter second flush in late summer in warm regions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in acidic to neutral soil that stays wet or is submerged under 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) of water. Plants in soil that dries out in summer weaken and flower poorly. A balanced feed in spring supports flowering. Iris borer and bacterial soft rot can affect crowded clumps. Division every 3-4 years after flowering keeps plants vigorous. Foliage is left until it yellows in autumn, then cut to the base.Pruning
Cut flower stems to the base after bloom to prevent seed formation, unless seed is wanted. Remove yellowing leaves in late autumn. Congested clumps are lifted and divided every 3-4 years immediately after flowering.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons