Iris ensata 'Rose Queen'

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese water iris 'Rose Queen'

Synonyms

Iris laevigata 'Rose Queen'
Iris 'Rose Queen'

Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial Bogs

'Rose Queen' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 1m with narrow, green, drooping foliage and small, pale lilac-pink flowers, the falls deep mauve towards the base

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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

Grow in moist, deep, acid, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division from midsummer to early autumn, plant immediately in flowering positions

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and thrips

Diseases

May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases