Iris 'Black Joker'

Iris 'Black Joker': Dark Drama with a Playful Twist

Striking and theatrical, Iris 'Black Joker' dazzles with its unique combination of near-black falls and ruffled, violet-purple standards. This tall bearded iris brings intense contrast and rich colour to the late spring garden, standing boldly above sword-like foliage with elegance and flair. A captivating choice for those who appreciate drama and refinement in equal measure.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 80–90 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, upright and clump-forming
• Flower Colour: Deep purple-black falls with violet-purple standards
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Upright, grey-green, sword-like leaves; deciduous
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil; avoid winter wet

Uses and Benefits: Iris 'Black Joker' adds bold colour and vertical elegance to sunny perennial borders, cutting gardens, and focal plantings. Its dramatic blooms create contrast among lighter companions, while its clump-forming habit offers reliable seasonal structure. Excellent for late-spring impact and prized in floral arrangements for its rare colouring and ruffled form.

Companion Plants: Pair Iris 'Black Joker' with Salvia 'Violet Riot' for complementary spikes and long bloom. Add Achillea 'Strawberry Seduction' to warm the palette with deep red and gold tones. Finish with Festuca 'Blue Select', whose cool, tidy mounds contrast the iris’s intensity and support its upright habit.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Avoid overhead watering and waterlogged soils, especially in winter. Remove spent blooms and cut back foliage in fall. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in late summer to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding.

History: Iris 'Black Joker' is a modern tall bearded hybrid selected for its vivid contrast and intricate form. It draws on breeding lines that emphasize deep pigmentation and ruffled standards, bringing a unique personality to the iris border.

Final Thoughts: With its inky depth and playful twist of colour, Iris 'Black Joker' adds a note of mystery and brilliance to late spring gardens—a dramatic flourish that never goes unnoticed.