Iris 'Blackwater'

Iris 'Blackwater' is a tall bearded iris with exceptionally dark, velvety flowers that bloom in midseason. The upright standards are a deep smoky purple-black, while the broad, ruffled falls deepen to an almost true black. Matching black beards blend into the petals rather than creating the contrasting accent seen on many dark irises, giving each flower a remarkably unified appearance. Subtle purple undertones become more apparent as the light moves across the petals. Upright, sword-shaped green foliage forms tidy fans beneath the flowering stems.

Introduced by Schreiner's Gardens in 2014, 'Blackwater' received an American Iris Society Honorable Mention in 2016. Its near-black coloring provides unusual depth in a sunny planting and makes an effective counterpoint to pale or brightly colored flowers. Cream, yellow, apricot, and soft blue are particularly effective nearby, where their lighter colors emphasize the darkness of the blooms.