Japanese Variegated Iris

The Japanese variegated Iris has been a treasure in Japan for centuries. Also known as Japanese flag, Russian iris or Japanese water Iris, the plant grows up to 24 inches and the flower itself is 3 feet. It spreads to 24 inches and requires a lot of water in order to grow. The stalks are normally weak and require staking or rich soils so that they can be strong. If grown in ideal conditions it can live up to ten years.

In most cases, the Japanese variegated Iris grows around waterside and for the people who like keeping it in pots have to put the pot sitting on water. It does well in full sun to partial shade too. It is not particular to any type of soil and can also tolerant urban pollution. Japanese variegated Iris can be propagated by division.

When it is fully grown it forms a clump of grassy green and white stripped leaves bearing drooping violet flag-like flowers which have yellow centers. The flowers are good for cutting. The leaves remain green in color throughout the season. The plant is very good for bogs or ponds since it requires a lot of moisture especially when blooming.

It is an herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held at a low mound of foliage . Its medium size makes it blend so well in gardens but for an appealing look on the garden, Variegated Japanese flag can be balanced by other finer plants or less coarser plants.

The perennial requires occasional upkeep. The good thing is that animals like deer that are fond of eating such plants don’t eat it but instead opt for tastier plants. But gardeners are advised to look for insects that attack the plant and spray them.

It is not recommended for any food usage, since it is poisonous.