Iris ensata – Variegata

An award-winning standout, Iris ensata 'Variegata'—also sold as ‘Silverband’—delights the season with boldly variegated foliage of creamy-white and green stripes that persist all summer. In early to mid-summer, compact clumps (about 75 cm tall) are topped with rich violet‑purple blooms bearing bright yellow signal patches that contrast beautifully with the foliage. This striking Japanese iris thrives in full sun to part shade and in moist, acidic soils—even tolerating standing water during the growing season—but should not remain waterlogged in winter to avoid rhizome rot. Deer- and rabbit-resistant, it adds both seasonal bloom and year-round foliage interest—especially impactful in mass plantings or near water gardens.