Iris ensata 'Gusto'
Japanese water iris 'Gusto'
A clump-forming perennial, to around 1.2m high in flower, with narrowly sword-shaped green leaves. Flowers have vibrant purple petals with white centres and veins, and a bright yellow signal at the base
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in moist, humus rich, ideally neutral to slightly acid soil. Will tolerate part shade but flowering is best in full sun. Suitable for planting at the edges of ponds and streams, or in a border where the soil does not dry out
Propagation
Propagate by division, see dividing irises for more detailed advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove spent flower stems after flowering, and any dying foliage in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails, thrips and iris sawfly
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne virus diseases and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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