Variegata Japanese Iris
Iris ensata 'Variegata'
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Plant Profile & Growing Essentials
Attracts pollinators, Deer-resistant, Flowering, and Fragrant
Specifications
Specifications
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Botanical Name
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Height
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Width
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Growing Zones
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Sunlight
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Growth RateModerate
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Flower Color
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Leaf Color
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Fall Color
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NativeYes
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Pollinator FriendlyYes
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Pollinator Required
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Bloom PeriodEarly Summer
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FragrantYes
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Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT, OR
Planting & Care Instructions
Planting & Care Instructions
Growing Zones 4–8
Iris plants have been fan favorites for years and years due to their mesmerizing spring flower display. However, this one in particular is also known for its foliage! The Variegata Iris (Iris ensata 'Variegata') has striking cream and green variegated foliage that gives this Iris an appeal all growing season long!
We'd actually consider Variegata Iris a foliage plant that happens to have the added bonus of beautiful blooms. As summer starts up in full force, you'll find pristine lavender blossoms atop strong, sturdy stems. The flowers are sweetly scented of orange blossom or vanilla, so they are fantastic for cut flower bouquets so you can enjoy their scent. Include some of the variegated foliage in the bouquets for vertical texture as well!
Deer and rabbits seldom bother with these plants but the Butterflies and Bees will flutter from near and far to sip nectar! Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 8, these perennial rhizomes spread to 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall when in bloom, the upright sword-like foliage showing off all growing season!
Planting and Application:
This variety of Japanese Iris loves moisture, growing in moderate to high moisture areas! That soggy area around the HVAC unit, around ponds and water features, or in Rain Gardens all gain a hardy water-loving showy perennial! Best used around pools, ponds, and water gardens! When used in mass planting, Variegata can also be used on difficult banks to prevent erosion and stabilize soil!
Try planting Japanese Water Iris in the well-watered areas throughout your front garden so guests can see it as they walk up to your front entryway. Or you could add them to your perennial flower bed out back to enjoy while lounging on the patio. Groupings around your seating areas add vivid foliage color and fragrance while you entertain outdoors!
- Lovely Lavender-Blue Fragrant Blooms
- Beautiful Variegated Upright Foliage
- Upright Sword-Like Leaves
- Pollinator Magnet & Beautiful Cut Flowers
- Sun Gardens, Wetlands, Pollinator Gardens, Groupings & Containers
#ProPlantTips For Care
This Iris isn't fussy about soil. All it needs to stay happy and healthy is a spot in full sun and planted in well-drained soil. Your Variegata Iris needs plenty of water throughout the season to continue to look its best. It rewards consistent moisture by being useful in many ways. Consider adding a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and protect the roots.
Deadhead the flowers as they fade and trim back the foliage in the autumn. Every 3-5 years, divide the clumps and rearrange the rhizomes to keep them in tight formation and to prevent them from being buried too deeply, preferring to be planted more shallowly in the ground. In fact, the top 1/3 of each rhizome should be exposed and 2/3 of it should be below ground for best results. For the winter, loosely cover your Iris in a layer of clean leaves, straw or compost, pulling it away in the spring.
- Full Sun & Afternoon Shaded Locations
- Loves Moist to Average Moisture
- Well-Drained Rich Soil
- Deadhead After Flowers Fade & Trim Stems in Late Autumn
- Deer & Rabbit-Resistant
Don't go another season without this versatile perennial! Order Variegata Japanese Iris to finish your outdoor projects today! Call Nature Hills Nursery and get your order placed before they sell out!
