Iris laevigata Mottled Beauty - Water Iris

Iris laevigata 'Queen Victoria', also known as Japanese water iris, is a lovely variety of marsh iris with light lilac pink flowers. It blooms in spring or early summer, on tall stems that tower over dense clumps of vibrant green foliage. Its flowers are delicate, composed of 3 upright petals over 3 wider and trailing petals. This very hardy perennial is a beautiful plant for ornamental use along riverbanks, and can also thrive with its roots in shallow water. Like all wild irises, it requires space to fully express its potential.

Iris laevigata is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the large family of irises and classified in the section of non-bearded irises. It is native to Japan, just like its close relative Iris ensata, but it distinguishes itself with smaller, more delicate flowers. It is also easier to grow, as it tolerates the immersion of its rhizomes throughout the year. Iris laevigata is beautiful and graceful, earning it centuries of cultivation for bouquets in its country of origin, and immortalization in Japanese prints.

Just like its wild parent, 'Queen Victoria' forms a dense clump of linear foliage with an upright habit, reaching a height of 50 to 80 cm (20 to 32in) when in flower and spreading indefinitely over time. Flowering takes place from May-June to July, depending on the climate. The flower stems emerge above the foliage, each bearing 2 to 4 flowers with a diameter of 8 cm (3in) at their tip. Each flower is composed of 3 narrow and vertical soft lavender pink petals, above 3 larger and wider sepals of the same tone, with the central area being a slightly deeper pink veined with violet and crossed by a yellow crest. The long, deciduous leaves are fairly wide and beautiful vibrant green without prominent veins.

Here is another iris that will thrive in the sun, in heavy, clayey soil, without limestone. It can be planted in large masses along the banks of a pond, in flooded soil, or in large perforated pots that are submerged underwater. It pairs well with aquatic plants with white flowers such as egret flowers, or yellow flowers like Caltha palustris 'Multiplex', Equisetum, and other irises like Iris versicolor 'Dark Aura' with purple foliage. Veronica beccabunga, a small trailing plant that quickly covers the banks, will enhance the edges of the pond with its pretty blue flowers.