Variegated Japanese water iris features white, mint and green foliage and dark purple flowers on long stems. (Rick Peterson)

Variegated Japanese water iris features white, mint and green foliage and dark purple flowers on long stems. (Rick Peterson)

Great Plant Pick: Iris ensata ‘Variegata,’ variegated Japanese water iris

This iris features white, mint and green variegated foliage and dark purple flowers on long stems.

What: Iris ensata “Variegata,” known as variegated Japanese iris, is a lovely and elegant moderately slow growing perennial with beautiful flowers and striking foliage. The dark purple flowers are held on white variegated stems well above the leaves in early summer. The long narrow foliage shows pure white and mint-green variegation from the time it emerges from the ground in early spring until it dies down in autumn. Each leaf is ⅓ to ½ striped white with the remaining leaf streaked mint and green. The variegation is bright, but not gaudy.

Where: This iris grows best in full sun and will tolerate a wide range of soils including clay and sand, but does not like to dry out for long periods of time. It will tolerate moist to wet soils.

Size: Variegated Japanese iris will grow to be 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide in 10 years.

Care: “Variegata” foliage can be cut to the ground in fall once it begins to yellow. It is a slower grower than most iris and will only need to be divided every four to five years. This will keep the vigor and flowering at its best.

— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Double Cab (Provided by Toyota).
2024 Toyota Tacoma is a total redesign

The fourth-generation model of the mid-size pickup is better than ever

Explorer Platinum photo provided by Ford Media Center.
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum Includes BlueCruise Hands-Free Driving

Redesigned Exterior And Interior Add More Value

Photo provided courtesy of Nissan USA Newsroom
Iconic Z Car Adds Track-Ready NISMO grade

2024 Z NISMO Amplifies The Sports Car Experience

2025 Honda Civic Sedan Hybrid Sport Touring (Provided by Honda).
2025 Honda Civic lineup welcomes new hybrid variants

The Civic Hybrid is available in sedan and hatchback body styles.

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid compact SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is updated inside and out

A new infotainment system, and safety technology enhancements are included.

Photo provided by Mercedes-Benz Media USA.
Mercedes AMG C 63 S E Performance Delivers Formula 1 Speed, Power And Control

671 HP, 3.3 Seconds 0-To-60 MPH, And 155 MPH Top Speed

The dark days ahead…

It’s hard not to notice the sun is setting earlier and rising… Continue reading

From left: Tina Tang, Autrina Martindale, Kendra Montgomery and Kitaka Makarin. Photo courtesy of Pitch Black Entertainment and Events.
Take a Stand for Women’s Heart Health at the Inaugural Freedom Run 2024 5k

Walk, run, or volunteer to raise awareness for women’s wellness this October!

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band performs during Cumberland Wild in Cumberland Village on Aug. 17, 2019. Marissa Tiel/ Campbell River Mirror
Marissa Tiel / Campbell River Mirror
Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band plays the Historic Everett Theatre on Friday.
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

2025 CX-70 photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
New Mazda CX-70 Prioritizes Cargo Space Over Third-Row

Versatility And Function Without Sacrificing Creature Comforts

2024 Jeep Wrangler two-door Rubicon (Photo provided by Jeep).
2024 Jeep Wrangler is a paradox

Despite shortcomings, this classic Jeep is irresistible

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.