| Common Name: |
Laughing Lion Japanese Iris |
| Scientific Name: |
Iris ensata 'Laughing Lion' |
| Other Name(s): |
Aka Russian Iris, Japanese Flag, Japanese Water Iris, Hanashobu |
| Category: |
Herb/Forb |
| Habit: |
Perennial |
| Form: |
Upright, clumping |
| Bloom Color: |
Deep purple with small, creamy flecks and yellow signals |
| Bloom Size: |
Approximately 8 in. |
| Bloom Shape: |
Flat, open-faced flower |
| Bloom Season: |
Early summer |
| Foliage Description: |
Bright green, sword-like foliage with a prominent, centre rib, 1-1 1/2 in. wide |
| Height of Plant: |
2-3 ft. |
| Spread of Plant: |
16-20 in. |
| Growth Rate: |
Medium |
| Hardiness: |
USDA Zones 4 - 9 |
| Light Requirements: |
Full sun to part shade |
| Water Usage: |
Mesic to wet mesic |
| Soil pH: |
Moderately acid (5.6 - 6.0) |
| Native Range: |
Japan |
| Propagation: |
Division; will not come true from seed |
| Photographer: |
Richard Buggeln |
| Location: |
Japanese Garden |