Iris ‘Before The Storm’ (Bearded Iris)

Regarded as one of the blackest irises available, multiple award-winning Iris ‘Before The Storm’ is a mesmerizing dark beauty that has been incredibly popular since its introduction in 1989. Adding elegance and poise to the garden, its moderately sized black flowers feature extremely flaring falls. Rising 37 inches high (92 cm) atop a lovely blue-green sword-shaped foliage, ‘Before The Storm’ is also gifted with a pleasantly sweet fragrance. Featuring an excellent growth habit, you can be sure your neighbors will be lining up for some samples come dividing time.

• Easy to grow, it is deer and rabbit resistant, and quite drought tolerant once established.
• Won many major awards including the Honorable Mention (1991), Award of Merit (1993) from the American Iris Society, Wister Medal (1995), as well as the prestigious Dykes Medal (1996) as an indication of its many fabulous qualities.
• Profuse bloomer, it produces up to 12 buds per stem and 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 soils. Tolerates 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, semi-evergreen leaves and form 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 to 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.