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
New
Iris ensata
'Imperial Purple'
Japanese water iris
Iris ensata 'Imperial Purple' is a regal addition to any waterside planting, instantly drawing the eye with its sumptuous purple petals and sharply defined yellow signals. Each bloom of Iris 'Imperial Purple' is crowned with deep purple style arms that lend a sense of structure and sophistication to its elegant, ruffled form. As the flowers open in late spring, Iris ensata 'Imperial Purple' offers a dramatic splash of colour that contrasts beautifully with surrounding greenery, making it perfect for pond margins, boggy borders, or serene Japanese-style gardens. Its upright growth ensures that each blossom stands proudly above the foliage, creating a refined and almost theatrical display.
Beyond its stunning palette, Iris 'Imperial Purple' thrives in moist, well-draining soil and a sunny spot, making it a reliable choice for damp corners of UK gardens. Each flowering stalk of Iris 'Imperial Purple' not only provides visual drama but also attracts pollinators, adding life and movement to your waterside spaces. Hardy yet graceful, Iris ensata 'Imperial Purple' offers season-long intrigue with its intense purple hues and striking yellow signals. Whether used in a cluster for maximum impact or paired with softer foliage and other Japanese water irises, 'Imperial Purple' delivers a combination of elegance, vibrancy, and architectural poise that enhances any late spring or early summer garden.
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 'Imperial Purple'
- Flower colour
- Purple
- 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.
