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The huge ruffled dinner plate size flowers of the Japanese iris have
been developed over centuries in Japan. They have been developed from one
species I. ensata. The species has fairly wide falls which hang
down and small narrow upright standards. The color is a deep red violet or
maroon. They are still sometimes referred to as I. kaempferi which
was the former name of the species I. ensata. It has probably been
cultivated in Japan for over 500 years. They are referred to as hanashobu
in Japan. You may also hear the terms Edo, Higo and Ise used to classify
Japanese irises. Following is a brief description and history of these
three types of Japanese irises. When Japanese irises were first cultivated in Japan there were
many color variations of the species found in the Asaka marshes near Tokyo
that are not known today in the wild. These were collected and hybridized.
They were raised in fields and had to withstand the rigors of an outdoor
garden. They had a wide range of colors and patterns but were more simple
in form. These became known as Edo varieties, Edo being the old name of
Tokyo. In the Kumamoto Prefecture the Edo strains were being bred but due
to the heavy rain in this area the plants were bred to be enjoyed indoors.
There were elaborate traditions associated with the manner in which these
iris were displayed. These came to be known as Higo strain and were bred
for white and strong colors, with none of the patterns or pale colors
found in the Edo strains. The Edo and Higo strains with their heavy substance were in stark
contrast to the very delicate Ise varieties. The Ise iris were hybridized
from species collected in Ise‑Matsuzake district on Honshu. They
were associated with religious shrines and their form was very controlled.
The flower had to have three falls that were wide, overlapping and hung
downward. The standards were erect, at a pleasing angle, and the style
crests finely toothed to give the bloom a feeling of delicacy. Only pale
colors were used, often pink shades. Like the Higo varieties they were
bred to be viewed indoors and the Ise often do not have enough substance
to stand up in outdoor gardens. Our western hybridizers have taken both the Higo and Edo strains,
and occasionally the Ise, to develop our wide range of Japanese irises.
The flowers come in all shades of blue, red violet, purple and white. They
often have interesting patterns of dots, stripes, veining and rims in
contrasting colors. The form can be similar to the old Ise form with three
falls or can have six, nine or twelve falls. Often the styles are expanded
to form a fluff in the center of the flower. The flowers can be tailored
or ruffled, flat and flared or pendant. Often the flowers can be eight to
twelve inches in diameter. Truly spectacular!! These spectacular irises are surprisingly easy to grow if you pay
attention to a few of their requirements. It is a common but mistaken
belief that Japanese Irises need to grow in water. In fact in cold
climates they do not like to be in water in the winter. They will do just
fine in ordinary garden conditions as long as they are given sufficient
water through the growing season, about one inch a week if there is
insufficient rain. Japanese irises prefer a position in full sun and
require an acid soil rich in organic materials. Our soils in the Puget
Sound area are usually about the right acidity, between 5.5 and 6.5 in PH.
Japanese irises will not grow in alkaline soil so never add lime. Many
people like to use bone meal as a fertilizer and soil amendment, never use
it on Japanese iris as it has an alkaline reaction and will stunt or even
kill them. Japanese irises are very heavy feeders and require a liberal
application of balanced fertilizer such as a 12‑ 12‑12, in
spring and just before bloom time. Early fall is the best time to plant Japanese irises so they have
time to establish new roots before cold weather. When planting Japanese
iris plant strong divisions and do not allow the roots to dry out. Plant
the rhizomes one to two inches deep in a slight depression. Since the
rhizomes form new roots on top of the old, planting in a depression allows
you to fill with soil around the plants to keep them growing vigorously
for a longer period. Japanese irises will literally grow out of the ground
if not transplanted often enough. It is recommended that they be reset
every three to four years. Do not fertilize newly planted irises. At the
time of planting the roots can be burned by fertilizer. Wait for a few
weeks to feed them until you see new growth. A mulch of two to three
inches is recommended to help conserve moisture and protect from winter
heaving especially on plants that are planted late in the fall. These spectacular irises are easy if you just remember to give
them ample moisture, acid humus rich soil and generous feeding. Good
culture is more important to Japanese irises than to other types of irises
and they will be taller, more floriferous and have larger flowers if given
good care. Submitted by Carla Lankow for the March, 1998 KCIS Newsletter.
Photos may be found |
