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Key characteristics

Family: Iridaceae
Height: 30-36 inches tall
Width: 18-24 inches wide
Flower color: Deep violet with white rays and yellow accents near the throat
Foliage color: Green, sword-shaped leaves
Bloom time: Early to midsummer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: High
Maintenance: Moderate
Growing zone: USDA Zones 4-9
Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinators

Perennials

Iris ensata 'Electric Rays'

Electric Rays Japanese Iris

Iris ensata 'Electric Rays' brings a bold, electrifying display to the garden with its rich, deep purple petals, each marked by intricate white veining that radiates from the center. Blooming in early to mid-summer, this Japanese iris produces large, flat blooms with a delicate ruffled edge, creating a standout presence in moist, sunny to partly shaded spots. The central golden-yellow signal contrasts vividly against the intense purple, adding even more dimension to the dramatic display.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

High

Bloom time

Early to midsummer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras

Design tip

Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.