Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Iris ensata
'Cupcake'
Japanese water iris
Pastel-perfect Iris ensata 'Cupcake' is certainly a sweet summer treat for the eyes! The generous white blooms feature a mouth-watering array of candy colours, including lemon yellow flashes and delicate violet veining. From the Dinnerplate Series, these unmissable blooms can grow up to 15cm across, and you can be sure the bees and butterflies will appreciate this delightful confection too. It’s best to position the pretty Iris ensata 'Cupcake' in full sun for the biggest and best blooms, but it will grow quite happily in partial shade too.
Iris ensata are much prized as marginal plants, preferring a soil which is continually moist, and somewhat boggy. A special variety like Iris ensata 'Cupcake' will be a real jewel in damp borders, pond or stream edges. The sword-shaped foliage will die back in autumn and can be trimmed to just above ground level for a neat and tidy display. This perennial is fully hardy and will grow back every year, eventually multiplying and treating you to more of those gorgeous blooms.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Iris ensata 'Cupcake' (Dinner Plate Series)
- Flower colour
- White, lemon/violet flashes
- Established height
- 50-70cm
- Established spread
- 50-70cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 10 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Boggy - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Loam-based compost
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Meadows
Water gardens
Coastal gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
-
Skin/eyes irritant
Harmful if eaten - Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Good for cutting
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Fragrant
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Naturalising
Low maintenance
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Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
