Iris ensata Gracieuse - Japanese Water Iris

Iris ensata Gracieuse like a damp and marshy soil, without limestone. They also tolerate a fresh soil, even if it is not waterlogged, provided it does not dry out in summer. On the other hand, they prefer a rather dry soil in winter. We have successfully planted them near an artificial stream, whose water level is kept high during the summer. In winter, we let the level drop by about 15 cm (6 in), so that the stumps are above the water, as in nature where the river level drops in winter and rises again in spring with the melting of snow. Their cold resistance is excellent, down to about -18 °C (-0.4 °F). It is further enhanced if the soil is dry.