Iris 'Lion King'

Payne Medal 2003, awarded by the American Iris Society

Plant 'Lion King', a beardless Japanese iris, in late summer to early fall, and in early summer of the following season, it puts on a spectacular show with gigantic 7- to 8-inch fully double flowers that display a white throat, a sunny yellow signal, and beautifully ruffled petals having a feathery grape-purple edge. 'Lion King' often flaunts up to 3 buds per stem. Borne on tall, stately stems, the flowers sit atop narrow, grass-like foliage, which stays fresh-looking all season and is itself an attractive garden feature. The nectar- and pollen-rich flowers attract and sustain bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They also make elegant, long-lasting cuts for summer bouquets.

'Lion King' grows rapidly, making it a great option for instant color. A clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial, it also spreads and multiplies every year. Although it makes an excellent specimen, it is shown to best effect when planted in a large drift or in groups in mixed beds, borders, or containers.

Cold hardy and easy to grow, 'Lion King' grows best in sunny to partially shady locations with fertile, humus-rich, medium to wet soil having an acidic pH. A moisture-loving plant, it requires consistent water and performs well planted in water gardens or around ponds and along streams, where the water table is high but does not cover its roots. Inadequate moisture may severely stunt plants and blooms. 'Lion King' is salt tolerant and deer and rabbit resistant. The plant is not considered pet friendly.