It is found growing in shallow waters and seems to prefer marshy and still ponds, although it can also be grown in damp soil if conditions are right.

Iris laevigata differs from other Japanese irises mainly in being more dependent on water and in lacking the strong midrib of the foliage.

Some varieties are almost ever-blooming even in mild climates, which makes it a good candidate for water gardens in temperate zones.

This plant has been cultivated in Japan for more than a thousand years and some varieties mentioned in Japanese gardening books in the late 17th century are still in existence.

[8] The Nezu Museum in Aoyama, in central Tokyo, possesses a pair of National Treasure screens painted by Ogata Korin, Irises, the most famous depiction of kakitsubata in art.