Iris germanica Black Suited - Bearded Iris

Iris germanica Black Suited is not only one of the blackest in its category, but this variety is also prolific and fragrant. Its flowers have black and beautifully undulated petals and sepals, with some violet infusions at the base, as well as an extremely dark blue-violet beard. It is an especially vigorous and floriferous iris, rare qualities among black irises. 

The 'Black Suited' Iris is a rhizomatous perennial plant that grows in elegant clumps from spring, with its foliage disappearing in winter. It belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is one of the many cultivars obtained over centuries, with a controversial origin that revolves around the number of chromosomes of potential ancestors. Garden Irises have European origins. They are plants that thrive in limestone soils and crave sunlight, with rhizomes that need to 'cook' in summer to be able to bloom. A minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day is generally required.

'Black Suited' will reach 90 cm (35in) in height when in bloom, with at least 6 to 8 buds per stem. The clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the central rhizomes thinning out in favour of the outer rhizomes. The foliage consists of long and wide saber-shaped leaves, with a slightly glaucous green colour, traversed by parallel veins. In April, floral stems appear with flowers in May-June that bloom from the top to the lower branches. The colour of the flowers is, as always with garden irises, magnified by the silky texture of the 3 upright petals and 3 drooping sepals. Note that the flower emits a very pleasant musky scent. It is a mid to late-season variety.

Obtained by Sterling Innerst.

Award: Award of Merit (AM) in 2003. 

To accompany irises, choose plants to associate with them based on their needs (exposure, soil...) and that have vegetation that will not cast shade on the irises (low plants or plants with light foliage). For example, Gaura will cast little shade on the irises and will keep the iris bed attractive throughout the summer. California poppies will tolerate dry soil like irises. Perennial geraniums, herbaceous salvias, and Libertia also go well with irises. Slopes can be stabilized by dense plantings of old, sturdy varieties that require very little care. Medium height irises are less likely than tall irises to be knocked down by wind and rain. Plant iris clumps in small groups or individually among other plants and bushes that will take over after their spring flowering.

At the base of a wall, sheltered from the wind, tall irises can be planted. Of course, you can also plant shorter and early varieties in the foreground.

Path border: the entire range can be used, from early dwarfs under 40 cm (16in) to tall irises over 75 cm (30in) that bloom in May, including intermediates (in size and earliness) and border irises, which are medium-sized but bloom with the tall ones. Tall irises, exposed to strong winds, may need staking to prevent them from being knocked over.

Border of flower bed: the home of border irises... but also dwarfs, depending on the circumstances.

Mixed border: the entire range of sizes can be used, chosen according to the position (front, back) and the size of the surrounding plants.

Using the full range of garden irises allows for two and a half months of spring flowers. Reblooming irises offer a few more flowers in late summer or autumn, depending on the climate.

The vegetable garden can be adorned with a few clumps or borders of irises for cutting.