I just got a japanese iris (imperial magic) mailed to me in a plastic pot as a surprise in a GW trade. I have 4 kinds of bearded and siberian in my tiny yard here in DC, but never grown a japanese. Sounds like they thrive in full sun, wet feet and acid soil. Is that right? I've got part sun, clay and my only water source is DC water (very basic - based on the hard water deposits on everything).

Another problem is that the foliage rotted off about 4 days after I got it. So now I have a good-sized, very firm, wet bulb and no foliage. Can I bring it back to life or should I set it aside and wait to plant it when it gets cooler? Or is this a lost cause? Should I plant it in a pot that I can sit in water or can I put it in the ground right away?

Any advice much appreciated!