Iris pseudata 'Yarai'

Iris pseudata ‘Yarai’ (Japanese Iris ‘Yarai’) is a clump-forming perennial prized for its large, ruffled lavender-blue flowers with a contrasting yellow-white signal amid sword-like foliage. Blooming in early to mid-summer, it adds vibrant colour to pond edges, rain gardens, and moist borders. Thriving in full sun to part shade in consistently moist, rich soil (even shallow water), it’s hardy in Canadian zones 5–9 and delivers reliable performance with minimal fuss.

Key Features
• Botanical name: Iris pseudata ‘Yarai’
• Common name: Japanese Iris ‘Yarai’
• Hardiness zones: Canada Zone 5–9
• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist, rich, slightly acidic; tolerates shallow water at pond margins
• Height: 60–75 cm (24–30 in)
• Width: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Foliage: Upright, sword-shaped green leaves
• Flower colour: Lavender-blue petals with yellow-white signal
• Bloom time: Early to mid summer (June–July)
• Maintenance: Moderate; divide every 3–4 years and keep crowns just above soil level
• Advantages: Spectacular summer blooms; ideal for moist borders, bog gardens, and pond edges