Fuji

Fuji does one thing and does it perfectly: white petals, each finished with a narrow band of clear blue along the edge. No veining, no splashing, no complicated markings — just a clean line of color tracing the outline of every petal in the doubled flower. It's a restrained effect, and it holds up beautifully against the busier patterns most modern Japanese irises carry.

Bred by Thornton Abell, registered in 1973 and introduced by Melrose Gardens in 1977. It earned an Honorable Mention and Judges' Choice in 1978, then took the Payne Award in 1981 — the top honor for Japanese irises at the time. A cross of 'Beauty of Yamamoto' × 'Fringed Cloud'.

At 28 inches it's compact by Japanese iris standards, which makes it useful toward the front of a border or in a smaller garden where the four-foot varieties would overwhelm.

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.