Iris Ensata 'Imperial Magic'

Imperial Magic Japanese Iris

Iris ensata ‘Imperial Magic’ — commonly called Japanese iris — is a striking moisture-loving perennial known for its large, flat blooms of pale lavender to white petals beautifully veined with deeper purple and accented by bright yellow signals. The flowers can reach 6–7 inches across and appear in early to midsummer above upright clumps of slender, sword-like green foliage, creating a bold architectural presence in borders, rain gardens, and pond edges.  

Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
Width: 24–36 in.
Height: 28–36 in.  

USDA Zones: 4a–9b  

Form: Upright, clumping

Light: Full sun to partial shade  

Soil: Rich, acidic, moisture-retentive soil; thrives in organically rich wet soils

Water: Medium to wet; prefers consistently moist conditions during the growing season

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies; deer and rabbit resistant

Features & Landscape Uses: Ideal for pond margins, rain gardens, bog gardens, and moist perennial borders. Its large patterned blooms and strong vertical foliage make it excellent for mass plantings and dramatic early-summer displays.

Care: Plant rhizomes in rich soil that remains moist through the growing season. Divide clumps every 3–4 years after flowering to maintain vigor. Keep soil well watered in spring and early summer, but avoid waterlogged soil during winter dormancy.

If you'd like, I can also line up all the Iris ensata varieties you've listed so far in your database plants list so they stay consistent when you add more Japanese irises. 🌿

Plant type

Perennial

Height

28-36"

Width

24-36''

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Mid Summer

Flower color

Lavender Blue

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Highly Adaptable, Moist well-drained, Tolerant of Clay

Landscape use

Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Clumping, Upright

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No