Iris laevigata 'Variegata' (Variegated Japanese Water Iris)

Iris laevigata 'Variegata' is a beautiful ornamental cultivar of the Japanese Water Iris, combining striking year-round foliage interest — creamy white and green striped leaves throughout the growing season — with gorgeous blue-purple flower spikes in early summer. Unlike most garden irises that prefer moist but not waterlogged soil, Iris laevigata is a true aquatic species capable of growing with its base in up to 10 cm of standing water, making it a genuine pond marginal plant. The variegated foliage is highly ornamental long after the flowers fade, providing structural color contrast at the pond margin from spring through autumn. Widely available at Dutch and Belgian pond plant specialists and garden centers.

Plant in a pond basket or directly in pond substrate at the margin, with the crown (growing point) at or just below the waterline (0–10 cm). Grow in full sun for best flowering. Cold-hardy in Belgian and Dutch climates — the evergreen foliage persists year-round in mild winters, dying back in hard frosts but re-emerging from rhizomes in spring. Divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigor. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage repeat flowering.