Japanese Iris Dinner Plate Sundae

Iris ensata ‘Dinner Plate Sundae’ is a striking Japanese iris variety, celebrated for its large, eye-catching blooms that resemble works of art. The flowers, reaching up to 15 cm in diameter, showcase a dramatic combination of white, deep purple veining, and a golden-yellow accent at the throat. This captivating perennial brings refined beauty to water features, moist borders, or pond edges, creating a serene and sophisticated display. Ideal for garden enthusiasts who value bold colours and elegant form, ‘Dinner Plate Sundae’ is a show-stopper in any summer garden.

Growing to a height of 90–120 cm, this majestic iris produces its vibrant blooms in early to mid-summer, standing tall on slender stems that rise above clumps of sword-like green foliage. Iris ensata thrives in consistently moist or even wet soils, making it perfect for rain gardens or planting alongside streams and ponds. Its dramatic flowers and upright habit make it a striking focal point in any garden setting, whether in formal landscapes or naturalistic designs.

Key Features

• Height and Spread: Reaches 90–120 cm in height with a spread of 40–60 cm.
• Foliage: Upright, sword-shaped green leaves that create a striking vertical element.
• Blooming Period: Early to mid-summer, with large, intricately patterned blooms.
• Adaptability: Thrives in consistently moist to wet soils; prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Notable Traits: Tolerates wet conditions; ideal for pond edges, rain gardens, or moist borders.

Planting and Care Tips

• Plant rhizomes just below the surface of the soil in moist or wet conditions.
• Space plants 30–45 cm apart to allow for growth and proper air circulation.
• Choose a site with full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season.
• Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage further blooms.
• Divide clumps every 3–4 years in late summer to early autumn to prevent overcrowding.