I want to grow a black iris for cutting flowers use. just like the photo below. The blooms need not be big, smaller size with purple or blue undertones (other than a red undertone) is preferred. The beard should not be the eye catching point. Any one has some suggestion? Thanks.

Do you want selfs or are bitones okay?

BLACK LIPSTICK has a smaller flower, and no hint of red in it.



I think MAGNIFICENT MASTERPIECE is pretty dark, but maybe not dark enough for you? (Sorry, I don't have anything that identifies as "black".)

...are the only "close to black" that I have.

So if you look in our database you will find a variety but not necessarily all black. Here are a few nice ones that may be readily available:

(You may notice that most are a very dark purple.)

There are more in the database. Also, if you are looking to purchase some soon, you may search the iris garden websites. For a comprehensive list, go to the first listing under iris forums, and you will see the listing at the top, "Vendor List".

Let us know what you decide.

Polymerous said: Do you want selfs or are bitones okay?

BLACK LIPSTICK has a smaller flower, and no hint of red in it.

• Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Black Lipstick')
• Uploaded by KentPfeiffer

I think MAGNIFICENT MASTERPIECE is pretty dark, but maybe not dark enough for you? (Sorry, I don't have anything that identifies as "black".)

• Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Magnificent Masterpiece')
• Uploaded by KentPfeiffer

Hi Kent, I like the black lipstick! I just bought dusky challenger, and it is deep blue. Lipstick is a bit one but not so obvious?

Hi Evelyn, thanks for posting the black iris pictures. It made me easy to compare. I think I like Before the Storm the most, for its size and form. Black Suited also beautiful. I will try to look for before the Storm first. 😊

I looked the stock picture of Black Lipstick and decided it is a good candidate too. The bi-tone is not obvious at all.

High Country Gardens currently has Before the Storm on sale.

evelyninthegarden said: High Country Gardens currently has Before the Storm on sale.

I already placed an order with them, maybe I can ask them if they can add one more in the order. Also, does any one know what "musky fragrance" mean? I saw quite a few irises have that feature, not sure if it is a good smell or not.

update: I look at my invoice and noticed that my payment to High Country Gardens (HCG) was sent to American Meadow. I did not know HCG is part of the American Meadow. I had terrible experiences with American Meadow as their irises are very poor quality and shipping was very slow. Most irises I got in that order were moldy. But my last year's HCG's TB irises were in good quality. I think HCG used Schreiner's as its main supplier? Most iris pictures are Schreiner's pictures.

Sucrose ~ I hope you have a good experience with them. Normally I would only recommend Iris farms as they grow iris and nothing else. If you do order, let us know if the quality is good.

Evelyn, my last year's experience with HCG is great. I ordered in late September and received in early October. The rhizomes were big and not too dry. The surviving rate is 100%. I do think they use Schreiner as their supplier. Iris "Anything for you" is an Schreiner 2022 introduction and is already listed in HCG's website, at a considerably lower price than Schreiner's website price.