Iris ensata 'Loyalty' ~ Loyalty Japanese Iris

Loyalty Japanese Iris is a marginal deciduous perennial with a clumping habit and long sword-like foliage that fans upwards.  The sturdy central stalks are topped with large double royal purple to violet blue flowers with yellow stripes on the crests through summer attracting bees.  Grows best in rich, slightly acidic, moist to wet water-retentive soils.   Type:  Perennial Origins: SE Siberia and East Asia Height:  2.5' - 3' Spread:  1’ - 1.5' Spacing:  1’ USDA Hardiness Zone:  5 - 9 Culture:  Full Sun, Part Sun Bloom Color:  Purple Season of Interest:   Summer MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Medium Maintenance.  Water regularly, then occasionally once established.  Can cut back any dying foliage after flowering.  In winter, it is intolerant of wet or boggy soils- the roots may rot- move to dryer ground for fall and winter. LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Water Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Naturalized