Here is one of the most beautiful of all Japanese Iris, with enormous blooms of almost translucent white, edged and stippled in deep reddish violet. Soft primrose-yellow signals punctuate the base of the blooms, calling attention all the more to their sheer size. Worthy of the finest garden setting yet happiest in the bog or beside the humble pond, 'Freckled Geisha' is stunning.
Reaching about 3 feet tall, this super easy-to-grow Iris flowers in early- or midsummer, its swprd-shaped olive-green foliage flanking the flowers beautifully. It is quite adaptable to adversity, but grows and blooms best in enriched, very moist to wet soils receiving full sun. If it likes its home, it will naturalize freely over time, forming spectacular drifts. And although its flowers are not too long-lasting in the vase, they are such lovely cuts that they are worth every moment in indoor arrangements.
Though known for its preference for waterside and boggy settings, 'Freckled Geisha' also fares beautifully in consistently moist soil in the sunny border and other garden spots. If less-than-damp soil is used, a bit of shade is recommended. Quickly growing and determined to bloom, this Japanese Iris is an agreeable presence throughout the sunny garden. Begin your own colony of breathtaking beauty this season! Zones 4-10.
