Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, rich, humusy, well-draining soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of wet soils as long as they are well-draining. Hardy in Zone 6b(-5-0°F)-9. Provide a protected site, warm micro-climate, and plenty of winter mulch if attempting to grow this plant at the colder end of its hardiness range. Propagate through division of rhizomes.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ampliflora iris is a sterile, rhizomatous, interspecific hybrid of unknown origin that was discovered in Dalou Mountains of south-central China. May involve Iris tectorum, I. japonica, and I. wattii, but parents are unknown. Vigorous clumps of sword-like leaves will reach up to 3' tall and spread to fill a 4.5' area. Well-branched, 1.5' tall flowering stalks will emerge from the foliage clumps in spring bearing 3-4, 4.5-5" wide, violet-blue blooms with yellow crest and white signal. Selections may be sold under the names Iris ampliflora or I. × ampliflora.
Genus named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow.
The name ampliflora means "large-flowered", in reference to the relatively large size of the blooms of this hybrid.
'Ming Treasure' is a vigorous selection of ampliflora iris with flowering stalks that can reach up to 5' tall over 4' tall foliage clumps.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Wet conditions in winter may cause root rots. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Excellent rhizomatous iris for landscapes. Best in groups. Will spread over time to form colonies. Beds and borders.