Northwest Blooms · Irises
Iris 'Black Lipstick'
Black Lipstick Iris
- Height
- 35 inches
- Width
- 1 to 1 1/2 feet
- Flower color
- Black-purple standards, nearly black falls, dark blue beards
- Foliage color
- Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
- Bloom time
- Early midseason
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate, drought tolerant once established
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
About this plant
Iris 'Black Lipstick' is a tall bearded iris with generously ruffled flowers that bloom in early midseason. Silky black-purple standards rise above velvety falls that deepen to an exceptionally dark, nearly black tone. Solid dark blue beards provide a subtle contrast without interrupting the flower's dramatic coloring. The compact blooms are carried on well-branched stems above upright, sword-shaped green foliage.
Introduced in 2016 by hybridizer Keith Keppel, 'Black Lipstick' has earned several American Iris Society honors, including the 2018 Walther Cup, 2021 Award of Merit, and 2023 Wister Medal. Its unusually dark coloring makes it a natural focal point in sunny borders, where lighter flowers and foliage can emphasize the depth of the blooms.
Works well in
Formal Gardens · Borders · Cut Flower Gardens · Walkways · Foundation Plantings
Companion plants
Dwarf golden barberry · Shrub cinquefoil · White peony · Golden yarrow · Silver sage · Blue fescue · Snow-in-summer
Design tip
Place 'Black Lipstick' against pale flowers, light stone, or silvery foliage rather than a dark backdrop. The contrast helps preserve the outline of its nearly black blooms, especially from a distance, while allowing their subtle purple tones to remain visible.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Schreiner's Iris Gardens.
