Data specific to Irises (Edit)
Hybridizer: Bob Bauer/John Coble
Year Of Registration: 1996
Year Of Introduction (May Differ From Registry): 1996
Seedling Number: J89U-5
Classification: Japanese (Ensata)
Registered Height: 40 inches (107 cm)
Bloom Season: Mid
Flower Form: Ruffled
Bloom Color Classification: Violet
White
Bloom Color Description: Rose edge, wide white center, white veining to near edge, hidden yellow signal
Style Arm Color: White, crests tipped violet
Awards: Honorable Mention: 1999
Award of Merit: 2001
W. A. Payne Medal: 2003 (tie)

General Plant Information (Edit)
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Preferences: Wet Mesic
Mesic
Soil pH Preferences: Moderately acid (5.6 – 6.0)
Flowers: Showy
Flower Time: Late spring or early summer
Underground structures: Rhizome
Wildlife Attractant: Bees
Propagation: Seeds: Self fertile
Will not come true from seed
Propagation: Other methods: Division
Pollinators: Various insects
Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
Ploidy: Diploid
Parentage: Frosted Pyramid X Frilled Enchantment
Child plants: one child plant

Image
Common names
  • Iris
  • Japanese Iris
  • Hanashobu

Photo Gallery

Date: 2012-06-24
Location: Eagle Bay, New York
Date: 7 Jul 2021
Iris ensata 'Lion King'
Photo by bluegrassmom
Location: My garden in Warrenville, SC
Date: 2020-06-23
Photo by blue23rose
Location: My garden in Warrenville, SC
Date: May 30, 2022

Date: 2012-06-23

Date: 2012-06-24
Location: Eagle Bay, New York
Date: 2022-07-21
Japanese Iris (Iris ensata 'Lion King') up close
Location: My garden in Warrenville, SC
Date: 6-2-2022
Location: z5 MA, my garden
Date: 2011-07-07
1st year plant from Siberian Iris Gardens.
Location: my Zone 7b garden in North Georgia Mountains
Date: 2023-05-30
Location: Washington 8b
Date: 2018-06-30
Location: Eagle Bay, New York
Date: 14 July 2021
Iris ensata Lion King, bloom unfolding its petals
Location: z5 MA, my garden
Date: 2011-07-07
Photo by lorettalea
Location: Elberfeld, Indiana
Date: 2023-06-06

Date: 2017-05-27
Location: z5 MA, my garden
Date: 2011-07-07
Location: Eagle Bay, New York
Date: 2022-07-14
Japanese Iris (Iris ensata 'Lion King')
Location: z6a MA, my garden
Date: 2012-06-23

Date: 2009-06-25
Location: Elberfeld, Indiana
Date: 2023-06-06

Image Courtesy of Bloomin Designs Nursery Used with Permission
  • Uploaded by Joy
Location: Eagle Bay, New York
Date: 2021-07-08
Iris ensata 'Lion King'
Location: z6a MA, My Garden
Date: 2012-06-23
Oriental eyes in background.
Location: z6a MA, my garden
Date: 2012-06-28
Location: Washington 8b
Date: 2018-06-30

Date: 2012-06-23

Date: 2012-06-23
Photo by urania1

Date: 2012-07-01

Photo Courtesy of Homestead Farms Nursery. Used with Permission.
  • Uploaded by Joy

Photo Courtesy of Homestead Farms Nursery. Used with Permission.
  • Uploaded by Joy

Date: 2012-06-24

Date: 2012-06-24

Date: 2012-06-24

Photo Courtesy of Homestead Farms Nursery. Used with Permission.
  • Uploaded by Joy
Location: Bogie Lake Greenhouse, White Lake, MI
Date: 2012-06-09
Location: English Gardens, West Bloomfield, MI
Date: 2011-06-13
Location: English Gardens, West Bloomfield, MI
Date: 2011-06-13
Location: English Gardens, West Bloomfield, MI
Date: 2011-06-13
Comments:
  • Posted by bluegrassmom (South central KY - Zone 6b) on Mar 26, 2021 9:26 PM concerning plant:
    My first Japanese iris and it encouraged me to plant more. This is one of the most vigorous growers out of my small collection. Lovely bloom and attractive in a clump.
  • Posted by eclayne (Pioneer Valley south, MA, USA - Zone 6a) on Jul 28, 2012 11:25 AM concerning plant:
    I received Lion King in Spring 2011 and since the division split while unwrapping I planted out in two locations. One sent up a single bloom stalk in 2011 and both bloomed in 2012. One clump reached ~50" the other with less sun ~40" in height. The overall effect is of a tall slender somewhat flairing clump, at least while the clump is young. A very vigorous grower for me.
Plant Events from our members
eclayne On July 11, 2014 Bloomed
aspenhill On June 12, 2017 Obtained plant
Potomac Garden Center - qty 1
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Discussion Threads about this plant
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
I really like the colors in this Iris by CDsSister Apr 12, 2013 8:43 PM 0

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