An iris garden in Tokyo, Japan

Waves of purple. An iris garden in Tokyo, Japan

Flower viewing is a beloved tradition in Japan, with each season bringing its own natural spectacle. Just as the last sakura (cherry blossom) petals drift away, Tokyo's gardens start gearing up for their next big show: the iris bloom. Featured here is an iris garden in Tokyo. The iris is a flowering plant genus that has 310 recognised species, known for their bold and beautiful blossoms. The genus is named after the Greek word 'îris', meaning 'rainbow,' which is also the name of the Greek goddess of rainbows. During the Edo Period (1603-1867), a fascination with breeding Japanese irises led to an explosion of new varieties. Today, there are over 2,000 types, which are planted in March and nurtured by tsuyu, Japan's rainy season. These vibrant flowers make their grand entrance in early June, marking the start of summer.

Iris kashmiriana, a striking member of the iris genus and subgenus, is a rhizomatous perennial native to the beautiful region of Kashmir. Its upright, sword-like glaucous leaves and sturdy, tall stems often branch into two, each holding a few elegant blooms. These flowers range in colour from soft white and cream to delicate shades of lilac, pale blue and deep lavender. While it's widely grown as an ornamental plant in temperate gardens around the world, in Kashmir, it holds deeper meaning—gracing the graves of loved ones as a symbol of remembrance.