Rabbitear Iris
Iris laevigata
- Native to:
- China, Japan, Korea, Kuril Is., Russia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Iridaceae
- Genus:
- Iris
- Species:
- Iris laevigata
- USDA Symbol:
- IRLA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple, white
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
black-tipped pyralid moth (Moodna ostrinella)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wetlands and marshy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Germination can be slow and erratic. Fresh seed germinates best; older seed benefits from cold stratification.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow at 20°C for 6 weeks, then place @ 4°C for 6 weeks, then slowly raise temperature to 10°C for 6 weeks. If there is no germination, repeat the cycle. Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * nick carefully; sow fresh or soak old seed; prechill 4 weeks, (or L), bring indoors once germinated to avoid temperature shock; transplant at 4 leaves