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Key characteristics

Family: Iridaceae
Height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
Width: 1 to 1.5 feet
Flower color: Deep violet with purple hue; prominent yellow signals
Foliage color: Creamy white and green striped, sword-like leaves
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate to high
Maintenance: Low; remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies

Perennials

Iris ensata 'Variegata'

Variegated Japanese Iris

Iris ensata 'Variegata' is a cultivar known for its broad, elegant flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The large, deep violet flowers feature overlapping petals in varying shades of purple, complemented by a vibrant yellow signal. This cultivar is also admired for its variegated foliage, consisting of green leaves edged with white.

Native to Japan and other regions of East Asia, Iris ensata thrives in temperate climates and prefers moist environments.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate to high

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Rain Gardens

Companion plants

Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies

Design tip

The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.