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Iris ‘Black Swan’ (Bearded Iris)

Tall Bearded Iris 'Black Swan', Iris Germanica 'Black Swan', Midseason Irises

Award General
Iris 'Black Swan', Tall Bearded Iris 'Black Swan', Iris Germanica 'Black Swan', Midseason Irises, Bicolor irises, Award Irises, Purple Irises

Noted for the dark velvety texture and great substance of its beautifully formed and lightly ruffled flowers, award-winning Iris ‘Black Swan’ adds drama to the garden with its deep purple standards and dark purple, almost black falls. Its thick, wide beard, created by a blending of purple and yellow hairs, gives depth and richness to the lustrous dark flowers. This Tall Bearded Iris rises up to 36 inches high (90 cm) atop a lovely sword-shaped, gray-green foliage which will continue to add interest to the landscape after flowering is over. One of the largest and most spectacular black irises.

  • Easy to grow, it is deer and rabbit resistant, and quite drought tolerant once established.
  • Winner of the Honorable Mention Award (1960) and Award of Merit (1962)
  • A profuse bloomer, it will bring its glorious and glamorous blooms in late spring or early summer over a long blooming period. Please note that bloom times depend very much on the weather.
  • Performs best in full sun in humus rich, medium moisture, well-drained soilsTolerates light shade, but best flowering and disease resistance occur in full sun. Good soil drainage is essential to prevent rot issues.
  • Grows from creeping rhizomes which store food produced by the sword-shaped leaves and forms large clumps over time
  • A welcomed addition to herbaceous borders, sunny courtyards, or urban gardens where the sword-like foliage and vibrant color will combine harmoniously with the stones and angular hardscaping. Roses also provide a lovely backdrop for this tall variety.
  • The best time to plant bearded irises is July through September. Container-grown iris can be planted in the spring.
  • All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Bearded irises are classified by height and flower size into 6 groups. Since these groups bloom at slightly different times, combining specimens from different groups will extend your color display for a couple of weeks.

Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for irises like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris germanica
Common names Bearded Iris, Iris
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Cutting Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
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Iris germanica (Bearded Iris)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Iris ‘Black Gamecock’ (Louisiana Iris)
Iris ‘Quechee’ (Bearded Iris)
Iris ‘Hold My Hand’ (Bearded Iris)
Iris ‘Twilight Rapture’ (Bearded Iris)
Iris ‘Imperial Reign’ (Bearded Iris)
Iris ‘Starship Enterprise’ (Bearded Iris)

Recommended Companion Plants

Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair Grass)
Paeonia ‘Buckeye Belle’ (Peony)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ (Sage)
Astrantia major ‘Claret’ (Great Masterwort)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Flamboyant Late Blooming Bearded Irises
How to Extend The Blooming Season of Your Tall Bearded Irises
Superior Bearded Irises For Your Garden
Top Rated Bearded Irises For Your Garden
Iris germanica (Bearded Iris)
Irises: How to Grow and Care with Success
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Iridaceae
Genus Iris germanica
Common names Bearded Iris, Iris
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Cutting Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Iris germanica (Bearded Iris)
Not sure which Iris germanica (Bearded Iris) to pick?
Compare Now

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