Description of Iris ensata 'Angel Mountain'

Iris ensata 'Angel Mountain' is a Japanese water iris with large summer flowers. It’s a good pick when you want pale blooms that still read well from a distance. You’ll sometimes see Japanese iris listed under the older synonym Iris kaempferi.

Appearance

It makes a fan of narrow, sword-like leaves, then sends up stems to around 60 to 100cm in flower. Blooms are white with purple brushing and markings, with ruffled standards and broad falls.

Flowering is usually June into July in the UK, depending on the season and how warm your site is.

Care Guide

Japanese water irises like rich soil and steady moisture. They do not like drying out in late spring.

• Sun: Full sun for best flowering. Part shade is fine, but expect fewer blooms.
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich soil. Neutral to slightly acid is ideal.
• Water: Boggy ground suits it. It can take very shallow water, but aim for wet soil around the roots.
• Feeding: A spring feed helps flower production, especially in baskets.
• Division: Divide every few years in spring if clumps get tight.

Plant the rhizomes just covered. Don’t bury them deep, and keep weeds away from the crown.

Suitability for Bog Garden

Iris ensata 'Angel Mountain' suits bog gardens that stay wet right through summer. It’s also great for liner bogs because you can give it a pocket of richer compost than the rest of the bed.

Use it as a feature plant. One clump can anchor a corner, or plant three in a loose triangle for a stronger show. It also mixes well with pickerel weed and rushes because the leaf shapes play nicely together.

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