Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
'Jitsugetsu'
Japanese water iris
You won’t often see this cultivar for sale—and as it’s such a beauty, make sure you buy it (as they say) while stocks last! First off, even though it is called a Japanese water iris and it can indeed grow well in water, it does not have to; Iris ensata 'Jitsugetsu' performs well in garden soil too, but it does prefer a wet or boggy soil. It makes an elegant addition to pond or stream margins, and is also suitable for smaller gardens where it can be used in watertight pots or barrels. Iris ensata 'Jitsugetsu' is suitable for full sun or part-shade.
The upright, strappy leaves of Iris ensata 'Jitsugetsu' make a great contrast to the showy summer flowers, and what flowers! Each large bloom is white, with hints of chartreuse in the centre, and small purple central petals (or ‘standards’), veined with darker purple. At a maximum height of around 90cm, Iris ensata 'Jitsugetsu' has real elegance, and deserves to be grown as a specimen plant, where it can be untroubled by colourful neighbours.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Iris ensata 'Jitsugetsu'
- Flower colour
- White, purple
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 10 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Boggy - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Meadows
Water gardens
Coastal gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
-
Skin/eyes irritant
Harmful if eaten - Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.