Highly prized for the refined beauty of its blooms, 'Gracieuse' Japanese Iris brings a strong vertical element with its sword-shaped leaves and long-stemmed blooms. Unlike their Bearded Iris cousins that require well-drained soil, Japanese Irises prefer soil that stays consistently moist and thrive near ponds and other water features where there is moist soil. Although related to native North American irises, this species is native to Asia and is highly prized in Japan where it has been cultivated for hundreds of years. Japanese Irises are some of the most popular Irises, and are usually planted in spring. They form large lavish clumps and are highly decorative, blooming in late summer. They are a good selection for cut flowers.