Description of Iris ensata 'Eileen's Dream'

Iris ensata 'Eileen's Dream' is a Japanese iris grown for large early summer flowers and elegant foliage. You may see Japanese iris offered under the older synonym Iris kaempferi in some catalogues.

Appearance

It forms tall fans of narrow leaves and sends up sturdy stems with big, ruffled blooms. Height in flower is often 70 to 100cm. Flower colour on this cultivar is typically in the purple-lavender range with contrasting markings.

Care Guide

It needs rich soil and steady moisture to flower well in the UK.

• Sun: Full sun is best for flowers, part shade is fine in wet soil.
• Soil: Humus-rich, moisture-holding soil. Neutral to slightly acid suits it.
• Water: Keep it wet through spring and early summer. Avoid drying out.
• Feeding: A spring feed helps bud formation.
• Division: Divide in spring every few years if the clump becomes crowded.

Plant rhizomes just covered and keep the area weed-free so the clump can bulk up.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This is ideal for a bog garden that stays wet through summer. Plant it where it gets good light but where the roots never dry.

Use it as a feature clump in the middle or back of the bed, then run lower plants in front so the stems don’t look bare at the base.

FAQ