Iris japonica is a very attractive iris with fans of green sword-like leaves and small, delicate and fringed, orchid-like flowers that are whitish-blue with purple, dark blue and orange markings. Absolutely gorgeous, they are called Butterfly Flowers by the Chinese as they appear to float above the foliage.

Iris japonica is a relatively easy Iris to cultivate. Watch out for slugs and snails and - as it is not quite as hardy as other more common Irises - it should be planted in a warm sheltered spot. Give it full sun or ideally, half-shade in a moist, well-drained rich soil and fed regularly during the growing season.

There is also a variegated form, Iris japonica 'Variegata'.