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Iris ensata 'Variegata'
Iris ensata 'Variegata'
  1. Home
  2. Iris ensata 'Variegata'

Iris ensata 'Variegata'

"Variegated Japanese water iris"

Iris ensata 'Variegata'

1 bare root — £3.95

Order today, receive in February/March
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Delivery schedule

Orders placed before 1 March 2025
You can expect your order in February/March 2025

Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in March/April 2025

Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days

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Description

If you have an area of the garden that has a permanently moist soil, then you must grow the stunning Iris ensata 'Variegata'. Known as the variegated Japanese water iris, in early summer the combination of variegated grey-green and white leaves, and the rich, red-tinged-purple flowers, makes this a beautiful addition to the garden. And it is versatile, too. Plant it straight into the ground (where it will spread to form a generous clump of sword-shaped leaves), or pot it up (if you want to contain the clump and keep it compact). Or, you can even plant it into an aquatic basket for growing in the margins of a shallow pond!

Iris ensata 'Variegata' is so highly regarded by experts, that the Royal Horticultural Society has given it the coveted Award of Garden Merit. Reaching 50-100 cm in height, it is perfect for adding some vertical interest to your garden.

Key features

  • Good for cutting

  • Perfect for pots

  • Comes back every year

  • Loved by pollinators

  • Naturalising

  • Thrives well in full sun

  • In peat-free compost

  • Low maintenance

  • RHS Award (AGM)

  • Fully hardy

  • Rodent resistant

Specs & details

  • Botanical name

    Iris ensata 'Variegata'

  • Flower colour

    Purple

  • Plant size

    1

  • Established height

    70cm-1m

  • Established spread

    50-70cm

  • Plant spacing

    100 plants per m2

  • Leaf colour

    Variegated

  • Habit

    Upright
    Clump-forming

  • Life cycle

    Perennial
    Naturalising

  • Hardiness

    Fully hardy

  • Years to establish

    1-2 years

  • Sunlight

    Full sun
    Partial shade

  • Position

    Sheltered
    Exposed

  • Suitable for

    Pots
    Large containers
    Borders
    Meadows
    Water gardens
    Coastal gardens
    Low maintenance gardens
    Cut flower gardens

  • Soil acidity

    Any

  • Soil moisture

    Damp
    Boggy

  • Soil type

    Loam
    Sandy
    Clay
    Loam-based compost
    Multipurpose compost

  • RHS Award (AGM)

    Yes

  • Growing skill

    Easy to grow

  • Scented

    No

  • Pollinator-friendly

    No

  • Mouse resistant

    Yes

  • Rabbit resistant

    Yes

  • Deer resistant

    No

  • Toxicity

    Skin/eyes irritant
    Harmful if eaten

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
  • Planting
  • Flowering

Useful information

    • Soak your Iris ensata 'Variegata' roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting.

    • Plant your "Variegated Japanese water iris" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost in spring and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors.

    • Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed.

    • Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.

    Read all planting & care instructions

  • Orders placed before 1 March 2025
    You can expect your order in Feb/March 2025

    Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
    You can expect your order in April 2025

    Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
    You can expect your order within 10 business days

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£4.95
Dahlia 'Dark Spirit'
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£4.75
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£9.90
Dahlia 'Crème de Cassis'
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£4.75

Perennials in 1 minute

The beauty of perennial plants doesn’t just lie in their long-lasting flowers and sturdy, resilient nature, but it’s their sheer determination to keep on coming back stronger every year —in year one they’re good, but in future years they’re even better!
View all bare-root perennials

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