Iris ensata 'Cupcake' produces white flowers with a splash of purple in the centre. Its ruffled petals create an elegant display from June to July.

Clump-forming and beardless, this iris reaches up to 90cm in height with a spread of 60cm. It is ideal for damp spots near ponds or in moist garden borders, but should not be planted directly in water.

Do you want summer flowers near water features? Iris ensata 'Cupcake' thrives in moist soil with full sun and a sheltered position.

Key Features

• Botanical name: Iris ensata 'Cupcake'
• Common names: Japanese water iris 'Cupcake'
• Plant type: Clump-forming perennial, beardless iris
• Flower colour: White with purple splash
• Flowering period: June to July
• Position: Full sun, sheltered
• Soil: Moist but well-drained
• Height: Up to 90cm
• Spread: Up to 60cm

Benefits for UK Wildlife

• Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.
• Dense foliage provides shelter for small insects near water features.
• Works well in mixed pond-edge plantings to support amphibians and aquatic wildlife.

Planting Tips

• Plant rhizomes in spring with the crown just above the soil surface.
• Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with moist, well-draining soil.
• Space plants around 60cm apart to allow clump expansion.
• Keep soil consistently damp, especially during dry spells.
• Cut back old foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
• Mulch lightly in colder months to protect roots.

Plant Iris ensata 'Cupcake' near ponds or damp borders for a dramatic summer display. Its upright stems and white flowers with purple centres provide colour and structure to your garden.