Rabbit-Ear or Water Iris is a low maintenance perennial, native to the Far East, and ideal for a spot in the yard that has frequent standing water. In its native environment, it is often found growing in shallow water and prefers marshy and still ponds. It can also be grown in damp soil if conditions are right. This plant differs from other irises in its dependence on water. Germination from seed may be erratic, but once underway, it is easy to grow and will bloom from late spring to early summer and, sometimes, into the fall. Flowers are usually blue, purple or violet and have unique color patterns including some types with predominantly white flowers with blue spots and dark purples bordered with white. For the best flowering, it needs a location with full sun, soils that are acidic, rich, and have 2"-8" of standing water. It will tolerate partial shade and some alkalinity in the soil. It looks great planted in large groups along ponds, or streams or in a damp location in a border or cottage garden. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Watch for slugs and snails.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.