Bearded irises are some of the most popular perennials for the spring garden, providing a remarkable display of color and interest. But among the rainbow of bearded iris varieties, the inky black flowers of the Black is Black cultivar stand apart in their uniquely dark beauty.
What is Black is Black Bearded Iris?
Black is Black is a tall bearded iris variety featuring flowers of an intensely saturated black color, The dark blooms present a striking contrast against the sword-like green foliage
First introduced in 2008, Black is Black was hybridized by marty Schafer and Jan Sacks of Joe Pye Weed’s Garden in Massachusetts. It quickly became popular for its truly black floral coloration, a rarity among bearded irises.
Key Features of Black is Black Iris:
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Jet black flowers with a velvety texture and slight sheen. The black color is exceptionally dark and saturated compared to other dark-flowered irises.
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Blooms in late spring, with a midseason flowering time.
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Matures at around 37 inches tall, with sturdy upright foliage.
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Performs well in full sun to partial shade.
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Suitable for growing in zones 4-9.
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Vigorous and hardy with excellent reblooming.
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Fragrant flowers with a slight grape scent.
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Award-winner, including the John C. Wister Medal from the American Iris Society.
Growing Black is Black Iris
Black is Black iris thrives with minimal care. It prefers full sun for optimal flowering but also tolerates partial shade. Plant the rhizomes in well-draining soil in the fall. Provide average moisture, avoiding overly wet or dry conditions. Apply fertilizer yearly in early spring. Remove spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Cut back foliage in late fall.
This carefree variety is cold hardy even through frigid winters. It has few problems with diseases or pests, apart from potential iris borers. Set rhizomes at proper planting depth to encourage vigorous growth.
Designing With Black is Black Iris
The dramatically dark blooms of Black is Black iris make it ideal for creating striking color contrasts in garden beds and borders. It draws the eye when surrounded by pastels, bright hues, or white flowers. Pair it with orange tulips, pink peonies, blue hydrangeas, or white roses for bold color combinations.
Use Black is Black to visually define and anchor garden beds. Its upright form works well in the middle or background layer of a flower border. It also looks elegant along walkways, fences or surrounding a patio. Plant in groupings of 3-5 rhizomes for a bold statement.
For cutting gardens, Black is Black provides unique inky flowers for floral arrangements and bouquets. The sword-like leaves add striking vertical form as well.
Alternatives to Black is Black Iris
If you admire the distinctive black flowers but want to explore other options, consider these dark-hued irises:
- Batik – Deep reddish black with white streaks
- Before the Storm – Dark violet-black
- Black Joker – Reddish black with yellow beard
- Obsidian – Lustrous black-purple
- Superstition – Deep black-purple
However, none match Black is Black in the depth and saturation of its black petals. It remains the standard bearer for truly black blooms in the bearded iris family.
The Captivating Beauty of Black Flowers
With its jet black petals, pronounced white beard, and vibrant green foliage, Black is Black bearded iris encapsulates a compelling, almost otherworldly beauty. This striking variety is a must-have for any spring garden looking to explore the darker end of the color spectrum. Its deep dark blooms will captivate you!
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Size | Price | Savings | Quantity |
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1 Bulb Ships in Fall | $13.99 | Quantity | |
3 Bulbs Ships in Fall | $38.99 | 7% Savings | Quantity |
5 Bulbs Ships in Fall | $56.99 ($11.40/each) | 19% Savings | Quantity |
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- Dark as night with a musky fragrance
- Creates stunning vase arrangements
- A strking variety that commands attention
- Safe from hungry deer
Often described as the blackest iris, Black Suited Bearded Iris is about as dark as they come! This vigorous grower commands attention with its deep coloration, velvety petals, and slight musky fragrance. The iris is sure to be a conversation starter as it presents a breathtaking and elegant addition to mixed borders, beds, and containers. Consider pairing Black Suited Bearded Iris with Pink Attraction or Immortality for dramatic contrast.
Amount | Recommended Coverage |
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1 Bulb / Ships in Fall | Up to 0.75 Sq. Ft |
3 Bulbs / Ships in Fall | Up to 1.5 Sq. Ft |
5 Bulbs / Ships in Fall | Up to 3.5 Sq. Ft |
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Bearded Iris Plant Haul
FAQ
What is the blackest bearded iris?
Often described as the blackest iris, Black Suited Bearded Iris is about as dark as they come! This vigorous grower commands attention with its deep coloration, velvety petals, and slight musky fragrance.
What does it mean if my iris is black?
Black eyes aren’t actually black – they’re the result of high melanin concentration in the iris. This same pigment determines your skin and hair color while protecting your eyes from harmful UV radiation.
How do you take care of black bearded irises?
Care and Maintenance
Before flowering, water plants often enough to keep the soil moist but not wet. Reblooming iris should be watered during the summer, while spring-flowering iris will tolerate drought. After flowers fade, cut flower stalks back to an inch or two above the rhizome to prevent seed formation.
How rare are black iris flowers?
The black iris is one of the rarest flowers in the world, and displays a very unique mix of colours, it is characterised by a dark purple almost black colour’ with a mesmerizing Lilac hue and a white spot in the middle of the flower.