Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata) Iris laevigata
Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata) (Iris laevigata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Japan, Korea, north-east China and the Russian Far East. It grows 50–80 cm (20–31 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea, north-east China and the Russian Far East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: rhizomes, leaves
Iris rhizomes contain irritant compounds (listed by the ASPCA): vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata)
- How far apart should I plant Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata)?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata) flower?
- From about May for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Iris rhizomes contain irritant compounds (listed by the ASPCA): vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed.
- What grows well with Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rabbit-ear iris (kakitsubata). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- A true water iris that grows in shallow water up to 15 cm deep; the iris of the Tales of Ise and of Ogata Kōrin’s iris screens. Leaves have no midrib.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bearded iris Iris germanica
- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora