{"product_id":"iris-laevigata-blue-marginal-pond-plants-mp048","title":"Iris laevigata 'blue' - Marginal Pond Plants - MP048","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e, a striking variety of the \u003cem\u003eJapanese Water Iris\u003c\/em\u003e, is an elegant aquatic perennial celebrated for its vibrant blue flowers and adaptability to wet conditions. This plant thrives in shallow water or boggy areas, making it an ideal choice for water gardens, pond edges, and damp borders. Its bold colour and graceful form add a touch of refinement to any garden setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/em\u003e grows to a height of 60–90 cm (24–36 inches) with a spread of 30–60 cm (12–24 inches). The plant forms dense clumps of sword-like, bright green leaves that create a striking vertical presence throughout the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn late spring to early summer (May to June), tall stems rise above the foliage, bearing large, deep blue flowers. The blooms are characterized by their broad, slightly ruffled falls and slender standards, often with a central white or yellow signal patch at the base of the petals. These flowers are stunning in their simplicity and elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/em\u003e thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently moist or waterlogged soil. It grows well in shallow water up to 15 cm (6 inches) deep, making it ideal for planting along pond edges, in bog gardens, or wetland areas. This iris performs best in nutrient-rich loam or clay soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFully hardy in the UK, this iris tolerates frost and regrows vigorously in spring after winter dormancy, making it a reliable and low-maintenance addition to temperate gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePropagation and Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/em\u003e can be propagated by division or seed. Division is the most effective method and is best performed in early spring or late summer. To propagate, carefully lift the rhizomes, divide them into sections with roots and shoots, and replant them in suitable moist conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant requires minimal care once established. Regular watering is essential to maintain its preferred damp environment, especially during dry periods. Deadheading spent flowers helps keep the plant tidy, while cutting back foliage in late autumn prepares it for winter dormancy and encourages fresh growth in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrnamental:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/em\u003e is a stunning addition to water gardens, pond margins, and damp borders. Its vibrant blue flowers and upright foliage create a bold visual impact, pairing beautifully with other moisture-loving plants like \u003cem\u003eCaltha palustris\u003c\/em\u003e (Marsh Marigold), \u003cem\u003ePontederia cordata\u003c\/em\u003e (Pickerel Weed), and \u003cem\u003eLobelia siphilitica\u003c\/em\u003e (Blue Lobelia).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaturalized Planting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis iris is suitable for naturalizing in wetlands or boggy areas, where it can spread moderately to form lush, colourful clumps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContainer Planting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts adaptability and vibrant flowers make it an excellent choice for large containers placed near water features or patios.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEcological Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/em\u003e provides nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Its dense foliage offers shelter for small aquatic creatures, and its roots help stabilize soil along water margins, reducing erosion and improving water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConsiderations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoisture Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e This plant requires consistently moist or waterlogged soil to thrive and is not suitable for dry conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Dormancy:\u003c\/strong\u003e The plant dies back in winter but regrows vigorously in spring.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread Management:\u003c\/strong\u003e While not invasive, it may spread through rhizomes in optimal conditions. Regular division helps maintain its size and vigour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSummary\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its striking blue flowers, upright foliage, and ability to thrive in wet conditions, \u003cstrong\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a versatile and elegant addition to water gardens, pond edges, and boggy landscapes. Its ornamental beauty, ease of care, and ecological benefits make it a valuable choice for enhancing aquatic environments. Whether used as a focal point or as part of a mixed planting, this iris brings bold colour and grace to any garden setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose Iris laevigata 'Blue'?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e, a beautiful variety of the \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Iris\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a stunning aquatic perennial that thrives in \u003cstrong\u003ewetland environments\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eshallow water\u003c\/strong\u003e. Known for its \u003cstrong\u003edelicate blue flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eelegant, upright growth\u003c\/strong\u003e, this cultivar adds both \u003cstrong\u003ecolor\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003etexture\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003epond edges\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebog gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ewater gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its ability to thrive in moist, partially shaded conditions makes it a perfect choice for enhancing the beauty of your aquatic landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Beautiful Blue Flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e produces \u003cstrong\u003elarge, delicate blue flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e with subtle hints of \u003cstrong\u003eyellow\u003c\/strong\u003e in the center, offering a soft yet vibrant splash of color to your garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe flowers bloom in \u003cstrong\u003elate spring to early summer\u003c\/strong\u003e, making them a stunning addition to water gardens or pond edges during the warmer months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eblue flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e are highly attractive to \u003cstrong\u003epollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e like \u003cstrong\u003ebees\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebutterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003emoths\u003c\/strong\u003e, contributing to the biodiversity of your garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Graceful, Upright Foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe plant features \u003cstrong\u003elong, narrow, sword-like leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e that grow in \u003cstrong\u003edense, upright clumps\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering structure and texture in your garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eblue-green foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e creates a beautiful contrast with the delicate flowers, adding elegance to pond borders or wetland areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEven after flowering, the foliage remains attractive and continues to contribute to the plant’s beauty throughout the growing season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Thrives in Wet and Moist Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e is ideal for \u003cstrong\u003emoist soil\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003eshallow water\u003c\/strong\u003e (up to 30 cm \/ 12 inches deep), making it perfect for planting along \u003cstrong\u003epond edges\u003c\/strong\u003e, in \u003cstrong\u003ebog gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003ewet meadows\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt performs well in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003epartial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering flexibility in planting locations while ensuring healthy growth and consistent blooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Hardy and Low Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Irises\u003c\/strong\u003e, including \u003cstrong\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e, are \u003cstrong\u003ehardy perennials\u003c\/strong\u003e that tolerate fluctuating water levels and varying moisture conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce established, \u003cstrong\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e is \u003cstrong\u003elow-maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e, requiring only minimal care, such as occasional deadheading, to encourage continued blooming throughout the growing season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5. Wildlife-Friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eblue flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e attract \u003cstrong\u003epollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e, such as \u003cstrong\u003ebees\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebutterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003emoths\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping to support the overall health and biodiversity of your garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe plant’s \u003cstrong\u003edense foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e provides \u003cstrong\u003eshelter\u003c\/strong\u003e for small creatures like \u003cstrong\u003einsects\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eamphibians\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003esmall birds\u003c\/strong\u003e, creating a thriving habitat in your pond or wetland garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6. Erosion Control and Water Filtration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe plant’s \u003cstrong\u003edense root system\u003c\/strong\u003e helps \u003cstrong\u003estabilize soil\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it ideal for \u003cstrong\u003eerosion control\u003c\/strong\u003e along pond banks, marshes, or wetland areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e also contributes to \u003cstrong\u003ewater filtration\u003c\/strong\u003e, improving water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and contributing to a healthier aquatic environment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7. Versatile Design Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerfect for \u003cstrong\u003ewater gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebog gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003epond edges\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003ewetland landscapes\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it can provide both \u003cstrong\u003ecolor\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003estructure\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003etexture\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks well in \u003cstrong\u003enaturalistic plantings\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it complements other moisture-loving plants, or as part of a \u003cstrong\u003ewildlife-friendly garden\u003c\/strong\u003e that supports pollinators and small creatures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 60–90 cm (24–36 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers\u003c\/strong\u003e: Delicate blue flowers with yellow accents, blooming in late spring to early summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Moist to wet soil or shallow water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e: Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIris laevigata 'Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e is an elegant and low-maintenance addition to any wetland or water garden. Its soft blue flowers, graceful foliage, and ability to thrive in moist conditions make it an excellent choice for enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your aquatic space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"font-size: large; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Lincspplants","offers":[{"title":"1 \/ 7cm Bareroot","offer_id":64032036258169,"sku":"MP048-plug","price":2.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm Bareroot","offer_id":64032036290937,"sku":"MP048-9cm","price":6.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm Potted","offer_id":63860787741049,"sku":"MP048-9cmpot","price":8.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr Bareroot","offer_id":64032036323705,"sku":"MP048-1ltr","price":10.72,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr Potted","offer_id":63860787806585,"sku":"MP048-1ltrpot","price":12.67,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr Bareroot","offer_id":64032036356473,"sku":"MP048-3ltr","price":19.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr Potted","offer_id":63860787872121,"sku":"MP048-3ltrpot","price":23.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 2x Pot \u0026 Compost","offer_id":64032036389241,"sku":"MP048-2xpot-2xcompost","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 7cm Bareroot","offer_id":64032036422009,"sku":"MP048-Plug-3x","price":7.41,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 9cm Bareroot","offer_id":64032036454777,"sku":"MP048-9cm-3x","price":19.38,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 1Ltr Bareroot","offer_id":64032036487545,"sku":"MP048-1Ltr-3x","price":30.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 3Ltr Bareroot","offer_id":64032036520313,"sku":"MP048-3Ltr-3x","price":55.58,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/8263\/9737\/files\/Irislaevigatablue01.jpg?v=1767532459","url":"https:\/\/mgmgardening.com\/products\/iris-laevigata-blue-marginal-pond-plants-mp048","provider":"MGMgardening","version":"1.0","type":"link"}