Iris ensata "Silverband"

Early / Mid Season Japanese Iris.

Iris ensata " SILVERBAND "

A stunning variegated sport of Iris ensata spontanea. A very hardy iris that grows well in a garden. It can withstand a dry shady position but does better in a moist soil area in full sun.This iris produces variegated stems of small sized beautiful flowers which sit just above the foliage in early to mid season. Rich 3 petal dark purple flowers with a small bright yellow eye on the falls that stands out on the silver white and cream on green/ grayish green striking foliage. In a garden display, when planted on mass, is spectacular. It has a smaller flower size very similar to the I. ensata species with a delicate flower presentation.

This very hardy plant grows really well for me with lots of beautiful clean variegated upright foliage. It produces a heavy amount of flowering stems on a well formed stunning clump. Mainly prized for it's stunning variegated foliage. Unlike many variegated plants that revert to green in the heat of summer I. ensata "Silverband" retains its variegation throughout the entire season.

This variety was imported from Japan by Arthur Hazzard being a variegated sport of I. ensata spontanea. Synonym was I. ensata 'variegata' being registered as I. ensata "Silverband" by Robert Bauer & John Coble in 1989. It was introduced by Ensata Gardens, Michigan in 1989. The very attractive foliage on this Japanese iris won the plant an Honorable Mention Award in 1992.

It grows to a height of 90 cms (35 ins) and flowers mid season in New Zealand, while flowering in the mid to late season else where in the world. The plant does not appear to set seed readily, flowers are possibly sterile, or the plants will not come true from seed. Propagation is from division of rhizomes after flowering or in the springtime as new shoots emerge.

Available in New Zealand and around the world.