Product Description
IRIS ensata 'Pinkerton' (25) BR Plants
Common Name: Japanese Iris
A beautiful Japanese Iris with soft pink flowers. Pink crests arch above six bands of showy falls with dark veining and rippled edges. Bloom size on 'Pinkerton' is consistent with other Japanese Iris at 7" wide, nearly twice the size of some Siberian Iris. These plants are later to bloom, sometimes not flowering until a month after Siberian Iris have started.
Unlike the Tall Bearded Iris, the beardless Japanese Iris has a flat bloom, narrower leaves, and smaller, more compact rhizomes. They have the largest flowers of all irises and make wonderful spring accents for the edge of water gardens. Japanese irises are the latest to bloom, about a month after the Siberian irises.
Above all else, no other factor is a greater influence on Japanese Irises than water. A lack of moisture will stunt the plants and flowers, while a consistent supply of water will result in large, healthy plants with large flowers. They are lovely planted beside ponds or near streams where the water table is high, but not covering the roots. Mulch the plants heavily to ensure that the soil never dries out.
Japanese Irises should be planted in heavy, acidic, rich soil that has been amended with compost or manure. For new plantings, do not add granular fertilizer around your newly planted irises. Instead, add the fertilizer to the soil a month or two before planting the Japanese Irises. Once established, fertilize them in early spring and again right after they are finished blooming.
Most Japanese Irises require division every 3-4 years. When dividing mature clumps in spring or fall, it is best to dig up the entire clump and replant the divisions somewhere else in the garden where Japanese Irises have not been grown before. The rhizomes should be planted 2-3 inches deep. New roots form above the old roots each year, so by the time you can see the roots growing at the soil surface, it's time to divide them again.
American Iris Society Award of Merit -- 2006
American Iris Society Honorable Mention -- 2002
Height: 36.0 Inches
Spread: 24.0-28.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8, 9
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun to Part Shade
Consistent Water Needs
Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium - Rapid
Border Plant Cut Flower, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
The Japanese iris (Iris ensata) 'Pinkerton' is a captivating perennial celebrated for its exquisite blooms and adaptability to various garden settings. Images of this stunning cultivar can be found online and in gardening resources to aid in visual identification. This comprehensive guide delves into the key characteristics of 'Pinkerton,' including its size, color, bloom time, and hardiness zones, along with essential information on ideal growing conditions, common uses in landscaping, and potential pests and diseases.
'Pinkerton' distinguishes itself with soft pink flowers adorned with gracefully arching pink crests. The falls, or lower petals, exhibit six prominent bands with dark veining and delicately rippled edges. The blooms reach an impressive size of 7 inches wide, nearly twice the size of some Siberian irises. Unlike Tall Bearded Irises, 'Pinkerton' has a flat bloom shape, offering a unique aesthetic for gardeners. This cultivar typically reaches a height of 36 inches with a spread of 24 to 28 inches. 'Pinkerton' thrives in hardiness zones 4 through 9 and blooms in early summer.
Growing Conditions 'Pinkerton,' like other Japanese irises, thrives in moist, acidic soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or manure. It is intolerant of limy soils and prefers a pH of 6.1 to 7.0. Consistent moisture is crucial, as a lack of water can hinder plant and flower development. While 'Pinkerton' prefers consistently moist soil, it does not require swampy conditions. While it prefers full sun, 'Pinkerton' can tolerate partial shade, particularly in warmer climates.
Landscaping and Gardening Uses The 'Pinkerton' iris is a versatile and deer-resistant addition to various garden designs. Its elegant blooms and tolerance for moist conditions make it an excellent choice for water gardens, where it can be planted along the edges of ponds or streams. It is also well-suited for a variety of other landscaping applications:
| Use | Description |
| Borders and edges | Adds vertical interest and a vibrant pop of color. |
| Rain gardens | Thrives in the moist, well-drained environment. |
| Cut flower gardens | Provides long-lasting blooms for stunning arrangements. |
| Mass plantings | Creates a dramatic display of color when planted in groups. |
Pests and Diseases While generally hardy, 'Pinkerton' can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. These include:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on plant sap, causing distorted leaves and stunted growth. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
- Iris borers: The larvae of these moths tunnel into the rhizomes, causing weakened growth and potential rot. Preventative measures include removing old foliage in the fall and dividing clumps regularly.
- Nematodes: Microscopic roundworms that can damage roots, leading to reduced vigor and poor flowering. Maintaining healthy soil and avoiding overwatering can help prevent nematode infestations.
- Bacterial soft rot: This disease causes a foul-smelling rot of the rhizomes. Ensuring proper drainage and avoiding injury to the rhizomes can help prevent this issue.
- Crown rot: A fungal disease that affects the base of the plant, leading to wilting and dieback. Proper spacing and avoiding overwatering are crucial for prevention.
- Leaf spot: Various fungal diseases can cause spots on the leaves, potentially weakening the plant. Removing infected leaves and ensuring good air circulation can help control leaf spot.
- Rust: This fungal disease appears as rusty-colored spots on the leaves. Maintaining good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent rust.
Regular monitoring and prompt treatment are essential to maintain plant health. Ensuring proper growing conditions, such as well-drained soil and adequate spacing, can help prevent many of these issues.
Care and Maintenance To ensure the long-term health and vitality of 'Pinkerton,' follow these care tips:
- Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially during the growing season.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and after blooming.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years to promote vigorous growth and flowering.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage further flowering.
The Japanese iris 'Pinkerton' is a stunning and adaptable perennial that can enhance the beauty of any garden. It thrives in moist, acidic soil with good drainage and prefers full sun to partial shade. 'Pinkerton' is a versatile plant, suitable for water gardens, borders, rain gardens, and cut flower arrangements. With proper care, including consistent watering, fertilization, and dividing clumps every few years, gardeners can enjoy the exquisite pink blooms and graceful foliage of this remarkable iris for years to come.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
