Alphabetical Plant Listing

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.

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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

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Guides with Iris - Other


*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

Guides with Iris - Other

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