Iris ensata /Japanese Irises

Native to Japan, Japanese Irises (Iris ensata) are among the most elegant and breathtaking Irises. More refined and less conspicuous than the Tall Bearded Irises, these Beardless Irises enjoy huge orchid-like flowers that are a delight to gaze at. Usually ruffled and flat in form, they rise on erect, sturdy stems atop a dense clump of sword-shaped, linear green leaves, up to 24 in. long (60 cm), with prominent midribs. They have been cultivated in Japan for over 500 years and are referred to as Hanashobu in Japan.