Iris ensata Pleasant Earlybird (Japanese Iris)

Incredibly pretty and luminous, Japanese Iris 'Pleasant Earlybird' (Iris ensata) produces large, single pastel violet-blue flowers presenting a luminescent white halo on the falls and small golden yellow throats. Elegantly rising up to 40 in. (100 cm), this very early season Japanese Iris exhibits its exquisite blooms in early to mid-summer over a long blooming period. After blooming, the sword-like foliage, consisting of sturdy clumps of linear green leaves with prominent midribs is also one of its most attractive garden features. Spectacular when planted in groups, this lovely Iris will excel at providing vertical interest in the garden.

• Won the Honorable Mention (1999) and the Award of Merit (2001)
• Easy to grow, this Japanese Iris performs best in full sun or part shade, in humus-rich, medium to wet, acidic soils. It loves moisture-retentive soils and thrives in standing water, up to 6 in. deep (15 cm), during the growing season. Since Japanese Irises do not cope well with standing water and boggy soils in winter, you may want to grow yours in pots that are sunk in water during the growing season but which then are moved to dryer ground in fall and winter.
• Will grow successfully in ordinary garden soils or perennial borders as long as it receives adequate moisture, especially during the growing season.
• No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for slugs and snails as well as wet conditions in winter which may cause root rot.
• Deer resistant, salt and wet soil tolerant.
• A welcomed addition to water gardens, Japanese gardens, along pools or streams. Most spectacular when planted in large groupings where it develops a bouquet effect
• Propagate by division of rhizomes from midsummer to early fall. Remove any dying foliage in the fall. Old flower stems may be cut down after flowering.
• To be planted in fall or spring. Plant your rhizomes approximately 2 in. deep (5 cm). After planting, add a heavy mulch of 2 to 3 in. (5-7 cm) to help conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
• All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.