If I knew what this is, I would get a white one

valerieroberts

This iris is on the pond edge with its feet in the water. Just started flowering and is about 3 ft high, velvety petals that are dark purple.  It’s been there for 10 years. If anyone could give me the variety I could then find a white one. Many thanks Val

Palustris

Iris ensata aka Japanese Iris. Lots of varieties in many colours too.

Busy-Lizzie

Maybe it's iris ensata, they like water and they face upwards.

valerieroberts

Palustris that was so quick, Thank you very much. I love the grace and simple form of this that a white one is a must. Val

valerieroberts

Busy-Lizzy,  it certainly likes the water as it comes into flower every year. I’m now off to find a dazzling white one. Thank you Val

Busy-Lizzie

  @Palustris is a quicker typist than me!

valerieroberts

After looking at the price of these plants I shall have a go with a packet of seeds. 15 seeds for a mixture of colours. I’m surprised of the colour range. Wish me luck. Val 

Lyn

They germinate very quickly from seed, although I think fresh is best so if you can get them straight off the plant and sow, you may do better. 

valerieroberts

Thanks Lyn, unfortunately, I am buying a packet of mixed seeds. The plant I have has been dark purple for years with no other colour near. So I presume I would only get purple seedlings.  I wonder why the plants are so expensive if you can raise from seed, quoted £16 and £19 per plant. Kind regards Val

Jellyfire

That does seem very expensive, a quick search online found cheaper ones such as this http://www.roadfordwatergardens.co.uk/iris_ensata.php 

Have never bought from them so not recommending them, but I would imagine there would be a fair few cheaper ones than £16 out there

Pete.8

How about this one?
https://www.puddleplants.co.uk/product/iris-ensata-moonlight-waves/

£5