Iris ensata: watercolour painting by Kay Craig, 2006 [16 of 17]

This is the fabulous Japanese water iris that comes in all the colours from pale pink to the deepest mauves and blues. If you don't have a large enough pond to grow them, try using pots instead. Just seal any drainage holes and fill with earth and water. They need to be constantly moist but in a sunny position where they will flower in mid to late spring.