Flashing Koi

Flashing Koi is a classic, and it earns the reputation. Six broad white falls are feathered through the center with crimson red, streaking outward from a bright yellow signal — the movement in the pattern is exactly what the name suggests, fish flashing under water.

Registered by Walter Marx in 1978 and introduced by Melrose Gardens the same year. It earned an Honorable Mention in 1982 and is recognized today as a historic iris by the Historic Iris Preservation Society. It's also the seed parent of 'Rivulets of Wine', which we grow as well — worth planting both to see the family line.

Registered at 36 inches, though growers often report it running taller in good conditions. In North Carolina it typically starts blooming in early June.

Japanese irises want moisture, especially through spring bloom season, and slightly acidic soil — they won't tolerate lime. Full sun gives the best performance. Hardy in zones 4–8.