The Black is Black bearded iris stands out as one of the darkest , ripest black tall bewhiskered irises on the market Introduced by Schreiner ’s Iris Gardens in 2010 , this iris has quickly become a classic thanks to its velvety midnight - black petal and lively jet black beards For those look to summate a touch of gothic dramatic event to their garden pallet , the Black is bleak iris fork over optical impact .
Origins of the Black is Black Iris
The Black is Black iris was hybridized by Tom Schreiner of Schreiner ’s Iris Gardens in Salem , Oregon . The company has specialized in iris education since 1925 , introduce many laurels - winning varieties over the decades .
According to Schreiner ’s website , the destination with Black is Black was to achieve the deep true disgraceful colour possible in an iris bloom . Through heedful crossbreeding , the resulting flower showcase a rich saturate black subtlety free of undertone .
The onyx blossom colour is set off by as dark tangerine black beards , make a bluff two - timbre effect . The beards are nicely branched and add textural pastime .

Growth Habits and Bloom Characteristics
The Black is sinister iris is classify as a improbable bewhiskered iris , with stalks reaching close to 37 inches in tiptop . Each well - separate stalk produce 9 - 12 buds in a season , ensue in an impressive flowered display .
The blooms display case velvety petals with expert ruffling , creating voluptuary layers of inky color . The flower petal have a pleasing rounded shape . Flowers hit about 4 - 5 inches in diameter .
bloom occurs in mid - saltation , adding a dose of drama to the landscape . Flower color maintain up well in warm sunlight . The bloom of youth are non - fragrant .
Accolades
The striking blooms of Black is Black have garnered legion accolade over the yr :
The Wister Award represents one of the highest honors for especial tall bearded flag . It is fitting recognition for this groundbreaking black flush .
Growing Black is Black Iris
Like most bearded fleur-de-lis , Black is Black prefers full sunlight and well - drained soil enriched with compost or constitutional fabric . head off soggy soils .
Plant the rhizomes shallowly , with the tops just just covered by soil . blank space plants 18 - 24 column inch aside to allow for in force zephyr circulation .
Established plant life are quite drouth tolerant . Provide regular lachrymation the first season after planting and then taper off . fertilise each year using balanced flower fertilizer .
Prune spend rosiness and dress back foliage after it die back in former summer . Divide engorged clunk every 3 - 4 years . Black is bootleg can be planted in zones 4 - 9 .
Design Uses in the Landscape
A garden emphasis iris like Black is Black works beautifully :
In perennial or mixed border , where the dark flowers make a statement
butt on a terrace or walkway
In aggregated plantings for maximal optical impingement
In containers on decks , terrace or porches
As cut flowers for dramatic floral arrangements
Alternate Black Iris Varieties
If the Black is Black iris is unavailable , here are a few other dark - hued options to regard :
self-coloured Black – Very saturnine purple that appears black . Intense orange beard .
Black Panther – rich purple - black with tangerine beard .
superstitious notion – rich velvety purpleness with smoldering beards .
Obsidian – Dark inky purpleness with tangerine tree beards . vivid ruffles .
While not quite as shameful as Black is Black , these iris pop the question similarly strike efflorescence in gothic shades that stand out in springiness .
The rich , saturated near - black petals of the Black is opprobrious iris offer gardeners a unambiguously colored prime indisputable to draw attention . For those seeking drama and mystique , look no further than this enamor blackened stunner .
Tall bearded Iris ” Midnight Oil “, one of the darkest, almost overall black iris varieties
FAQ
What is the blue whiskered iris ?
What does it mean when the iris diaphragm is sinister ?
How rare are black sword lily flowers ?
How do you take care of a black bearded flag ?
Does a improbable barbate iris have purple leaf ?
I e-mail Schreiners and they confirm that this iris has violet based leaf where the rhizome and leaves meet . The spathes also have purpleness , as you could see in multiple photos . answer to this comment Plant database introduction for Tall Bearded Iris ( Iris ‘ Black Is Black ’ ) with 23 images , one comment , and 32 information details .
What are the colours of a marvelous bearded iris ?
magniloquent bearded iris come in various colour such as lemon buff , gamy reddish blue , bright icteric orange with red infusion , Champagne-Ardenne pink , and dark purple black with beards of the same color . Other deterrent example let in a big daylily with lavender garden pink , to a great extent ruffled gold edge , and tall bearded flag with frilled , dark imperial fateful self .
What is a Black Iris ?
The Black Iris is a rarified multifariousness that was discovered in China in 1911 . It holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit for its durability and reliability . This plant is called The Black Iris ( Iris chrysographes ) . It is a uncommon variety that is suited for growing beside pond and in boggy soils , wet clay include . engraft The Black Iris in hummus rich , moist , well drained soil and keep it moist over summer .
Is bearded iris hardy ?
Bearded iris ( Iris germanica ) is hardy in USDA zone 3 through 10 , harmonise to the Old Farmer ’s Almanac . However , any kind of iris may have problems blooming if it is n’t given right condition or care . Tips : An iris that wo n’t bloom may be planted in too much shade , be either too wet or too juiceless , or planted too deeply .