Iris laevigata 'Variegata' (Water Iris)
Water Iris 'Variegata', Rabbit-Ear Iris 'Variegata', Kakitsubata 'Variegata'
Perfect for standing water, Iris laevigata 'Variegata', commonly known as Water Iris, is fabulous looking with its display of rich, blue-purple flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), with broad pendant falls exhibiting a white central ridge and slightly narrower, upright standards. On display from late spring to early summer, this Iris may repeat bloom in fall. The beauty of the flowers is equalled by the boldly striped foliage, consisting of sturdy clumps of upright green, narrow and fairly rigid, blade-shaped leaves, heavily striped with creamy-white. Keeping its color, it is also one of the most attractive garden features of this Iris.
- Graceful and vigorous, this strong performer is easy to grow and low maintenance!
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
- Most spectacular when planted in large groupings where it develops a bouquet effect and rises up to 30 in. (75 cm). Clumps will spread steadily over time.
- Performs best in full sun or part shade, in acidic, moist to wet, humus-rich soils. For maximum flower production, provide full sun exposure and a site with 2-8 in. of water over its soil (5-20 cm). Tolerates some lime.
- A welcomed addition to beds, borders, cottage gardens, city gardens, bog gardens, water gardens and near streams or ponds, where it will provide excellent color contrast.
- Cut back after flowering.
- Attractive to hummingbirds, but ignored by deer!
- All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success
Want to learn how to grow and care for irises like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plantsRead More
Not sure which Iris - Other to pick?
Compare All Iris - Other
Buy Iris laevigata 'Variegata' (Water Iris)
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
Plant Family | Iris - Other |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
*Photo Credit: GAP Photos/Graham Strong/ Jonathan Buckley - Design: John Massey, Ashwood Nurseries
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
Plant Family | Iris - Other |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |