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

AquaSox General Manager Danny Tetzlaff keeps the whole circus running. (File photo)
Part baseball, part circus: What goes into a game at Funko Field?

It takes a small army of employees to make sure fans have a great time watching the Everett AquaSox.

Arlo Frostad, 7, and his twin brother Harrison Frostad, walk through the fields of Roozengaarde outside of Mount Vernon, Washington during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival on April 10, 2025. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Stop and smell the flowers at Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The largest tulip festival in North America features five gardens and runs through April.

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Image from Canva.com
Say “I Do” to these stunning wedding venues

From rustic barns to elegant halls, discover where love stories in Snohomish County begin.

Grayson Bed and Breakfast (Photo courtesy of HD Estates and Grayson Bed and Breakfast)
The Grayson Bed and Breakfast: Where strangers become friends

A cozy retreat with scenic views and pet-friendly amenities just two miles from downtown Monroe.

Image from Prince Life Photography website.
Light, lens & love: These photographers bring the magic

Want to see who’s turning everyday moments into jaw-dropping memories? Let’s find out.

Small SUV Provides Big Time Value. Photo Provided by Chevrolet Newsroom
2025 Chevy Trax Activ Delivers Beyond Expectations

Sub-Compact SUV Surprises With Value And Features

Hai Viet Hong, center, performs with the Huong Viet Performing Arts Group during The Wendt Mayor’s Arts Awards on Thursday, April 10 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett artists celebrated with The Wendt Mayor’s Arts Awards

Award recipients included a former City Council member and the former publisher of My Everett News.

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.