Japanese Water Iris 'Colchesterensis'

'Colchesterensis' is a truly distinctive and elegant Water Iris. It is famous for its striking bicolor flowers; the falls are deep, rich violet-blue with a broad, crisp white border, creating a high-contrast pattern that is immediately eye-catching. The standards are predominantly white with a hint of purple. It grows to around 60-80cm in height with wide, architectural green leaves that lack the central midrib found in other irises. This species is a true aquatic iris and is happiest when grown with its 'feet' in the water year-round, ideally at a depth of 5-10cm. It is fully hardy in the UK and provides a magnificent floral display in midsummer. It prefers a sunny position and rich, heavy soil. It is less fussy about pH than Iris ensata, making it easier to grow in gardens with neutral to slightly alkaline water. It is a superb choice for adding sophisticated colour to pond margins.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Heavy wet soil or shallow water.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.