Iris ensata 'Variegata' (v)
Japanese water iris 'Variegata'
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial to 80cm in height, with narrow grey-green leaves striped with creamy-white. Flowers small, deep purple with a reddish sheen, the falls vivid cerise flushed deep purple
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Cream Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Cream Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist to wet, deep, humus-rich acid soil; it thrives at the margins of ponds or streams
Propagation
Propagate by division from midsummer to early autumn, plant immediately in flowering positions
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
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