We're offering you a Iris Ensata Dinner Plate Mix for £4.99, saving you up to 62% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £12.98 (correct as of 21.04.2026).

Iris ensata 'Dinner Plate Mix' – Japanese Water Iris for Gardens

Breathe new life into your outdoor space with the Iris ensata 'Dinner Plate Mix', a standout perennial prized for its spectacular, oversized blooms and vibrant palette. Originating from East Asia, this Japanese Water Iris is renowned for its large, flat flowers reminiscent of decorative dinner plates, making it a show-stopping addition to any border or pondside planting.

Why Choose Iris ensata?

• Colourful Display: The 'Dinner Plate Mix' features an array of hues—apricot, cream, blueberry, and sugar pink—each flower marked by dramatic dark veining for extra depth.
• Pollinator Friendly: These irises attract butterflies and hummingbirds, supporting garden biodiversity.
• Tough & Reliable: As hardy perennials (typically USDA Zones 4–9), they return year after year with minimal intervention.

Growing Guide

• Sun/Shade: Plant in full sun to partial shade for best results.
• Soil Preference: Prefers moist, slightly acidic soil; ideal near ponds or in rain gardens but adaptable to well-watered beds.
• Planting Time: Best planted from late winter to spring (February–April) for summer blooms.
• Mature Size: Grows up to 90cm tall with broad, upright foliage providing structural interest even when not in bloom.

Caring for Your Iris ensata

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season; do not allow roots to dry out.
• Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring as new growth appears.
• Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks after blooming; tidy foliage in late autumn if needed.
• Winter Care: Mulch around the base in colder regions to protect rhizomes from frost.

Design Tips & Companions

• Pondside Planting: Pair with hostas or astilbes for contrasting foliage and continuous colour.
• Borders & Beds: Combine with other moisture-loving perennials like Ligularia or Primula japonica.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant Iris ensata?
  The ideal planting period is late winter through early spring (February–April) before active growth begins.
• How tall do these irises grow?
  Iris ensata typically reaches up to 90cm in height when mature.
• What type of soil does this iris prefer?
  This variety thrives in moist, slightly acidic soil but adapts well if kept well-watered in garden beds.