Photo of Iris ensata 'Silverband' by Patricia Cunningham

Photo by Patricia Cunningham

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Iris ensata 'Silverband'

Also Known As

  • Iris ensata 'Variegata'
  • Japanese Water Iris
  • Striped Japanese Iris

Plant type

perennial, aquatic

size

  • H: 20"-36"
  • W: 20"-36"

planting zones

  • 5a-9b

More Options

Iris ensata 'Silverband' plant details

Iris ensata 'Silverband' is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial aquatic with green, variegated and white foliage. In spring lavender and purple flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and standing water - regular water. Does well in acidic, average, clay and rich soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Iris ensata 'Silverband'

Plant type: perennial aquatic
Plant family: iridaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen green, variegated and white
Mature size: 20 IN - 36 IN - wide, 20 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender and purple blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, edging plant, fragrant, pond margin

GROWING CONDITIONS for Iris ensata 'Silverband'

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: standing water - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay and rich

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

[Syn.:I.kaempferi] The show starts with rich purple flowers, then about mid summer, the leaves become shiny and heavily cream variegated. Likes most soils, not too dry and grows in water.
The tall sword-like leaves grow about 24-30" tall, and are green edged in white. The flowers are bluish-purple in mid-summer. Likes plenty of moisture and some shade for best results. Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

By: Fantastic Plants

A bonus!: these sword-like 2-3' leaves are brightly striped with creamy-white making a handsome statement even after the large, fat, velvety-lavender flowers have finished their magnificent show. Sun/Med-Wet/Acid

Gardening facts about Iris ensata 'Silverband' plant

How to Grow Iris ensata 'Silverband'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • standing water - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • average
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • white
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • lavender
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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