Iris laevigata Latour Marliac - Water Iris

Iris laevigata 'Latour-Marliac' is a very beautiful variety of aquatic iris with dark blue flowers. Each flower consists of 3 upright petals surmounting 3 wider and trailing petals. The latter have a thin yellow midline tinged with green. In spring, it forms a dense clump that is green and from which the flowering stems emerge in early summer. This hardy perennial is easy to grow in the sun in moist soil and is perfect for ornamenting the banks. It can also tolerate having its feet in the water, at a shallow depth.

From the Iridaceae family, Iris laevigata is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant classified in the section of non-bearded irises. Native to Japan, just like its close relative Iris ensata (the other Japanese Iris), it distinguishes itself with its smaller-sized flowers and its ease of cultivation. Its rhizomes can perfectly tolerate having their feet in the water, at a shallow depth of 5 to 15 cm. Its flowers, although smaller in size, are nonetheless magnificent. They have been cultivated for centuries for bouquets in its country of origin.

The 'Latour-Marliac' variety forms, in spring, a dense clump of fine and green foliage, with an upright habit, reaching a height of 30 to 40 cm. It spreads in width over time through its rhizomes. Flowering takes place between June and July, depending on the climate. The flowering stems emerge above the foliage, each carrying 2 to 4 dark blue flowers, approximately 6-8 cm in diameter. 

To create an interesting mass effect, do not hesitate to plant the Iris laevigata 'Latour-Marliac' in groups of 3 to 5. It prefers a sunny exposure and a moist, non-calcareous soil. It can tolerate being submerged all year at a shallow depth, making it perfect for decorating the banks of a pond. This Japanese water iris pairs well with white-flowering aquatic plants, such as Iris laevigata 'Snowdrift' or Filipendula purpurea 'Alba'. Add some small blue flowers in the foreground with low-growing plants like brooklime or water forget-me-not.