Cascade Spice Japanese Iris

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

18 Inches

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Bring gallery-worthy color to damp, sunny spots. Cascade Spice Japanese Iris unfurls oversized, ruffled petals in vivid purple and crisp white, creating a dramatic, painterly contrast on tall, elegant stems. Swordlike foliage adds vertical structure before and after bloom, so beds look designed even between flower flushes.

This moisture-loving perennial shines at pond edges, in rain gardens, and anywhere the soil stays evenly damp. Plant a small drift for a “watercolor wash” effect, or cut a few stems for striking indoor arrangements that hold their form.

Cascade Spice Japanese Iris Care

Give 6 or more hours of direct sun daily; in hot-summer regions, offer light afternoon shade to protect color and foliage. Plant in rich, organic soil that is consistently moist but not stagnant; target a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5. Water to keep the root zone evenly damp from spring through bloom; do not allow soil to dry out.

Mulch 2–3 inches to hold moisture and cool roots, keeping mulch off the crown. Feed in early spring with an acid-loving, slow-release fertilizer or a light compost top-dress, then lightly again after bloom. Deadhead for tidiness; cut foliage back to a few inches after frost.

In water features, sink a container so water sits at or up to 1 inch above the soil during the growing season, then remove from standing water before winter in cold climates. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9.

Cascade Spice Japanese Iris Spacing

For a single specimen, allow an 18–24 inch circle. For a dramatic border or pond-edge ribbon, set plants 12–18 inches on center so clumps knit without overcrowding. Keep at least 18 inches from paths to accommodate upright fans and bloom spread.

In containers, use a 12–16 inch wide pot at least 10–12 inches deep with drainage; set the pot inside a watertight sleeve or on a shallow pond shelf to maintain even moisture.

Why Grow Cascade Spice Japanese Iris?

• Oversized, ruffled blooms in bold purple and white for a high-contrast display
• Thrives in consistently moist sites—ideal for rain gardens and pond margins
• Strong, upright stems perfect for cutting and arranging
• Attracts pollinators while adding refined, architectural foliage
• Low-maintenance routine with simple dividing every few years

Plant Cascade Spice Japanese Iris where the soil stays moist and the sun is generous, and enjoy an unforgettable splash of color each early to midsummer. It delivers show-stopping flowers and clean structure with refreshingly easy care.