Iris 'Superstition'

Iris 'Superstition': Near-Black Purple With Real Drama

Deep purple-black flowers with blue-black beards, the kind of colour that makes people cross the street. 'Superstition' is the black cat of the iris world, and IT'S NOTHING BUT GOOD LUCK.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Iris (Tall Bearded Group), often sold as Iris germanica
• Common Name: Bearded Iris
• Height: 90 cm (35 in)
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Deep purple-black self with blue-black beards
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (June to July)
• Foliage: Upright, sword-shaped green leaves

Where to Plant: Dark flowers vanish against dark backgrounds, so give it contrast. Place it in front of a light wall or fence, or among pale foliage and flowers. It's also a fine choice for a cutting bed.

Companion Plants: Lavandula 'SuperBlue' edges the front at 25 to 30 cm with blue flowers from June through August. Leucanthemum Amazing Daisies® 'Banana Cream II' adds yellow flowers at 50 to 60 cm from June through August, a bright contrast to the purple. Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' stands far behind at 150 to 210 cm with yellow flowers from July into September. All three love full sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Keep the top of the rhizome at or just below the soil surface, and don't pile mulch on it. Avoid low spots where water sits in spring or winter. Water through the first summer. After that, it only needs help during long droughts. Remove spent stalks at the base after flowering. Clear away old leaves in fall to reduce iris borer and leaf spot. Divide every three to five years in mid to late summer.

History: 'Superstition' was bred by Schreiner's Gardens of Oregon, a family nursery famous for dark irises, and registered in 1977. The American Iris Society gave it an Honorable Mention in 1978 and an Award of Merit in 1981.

Final Thoughts: Full sun, deer resistant and drought tolerant once established. Plant it next to something pale and knock on wood. DON'T WALK UNDER ANY LADDERS.