Northwest Blooms · Irises
Iris 'Ink Patterns'
Ink Patterns Iris
- Height
- 3 feet
- Width
- 1 1/2 to 2 feet
- Flower color
- White with strong blue-violet stitched plicata markings
- Foliage color
- Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
- Bloom time
- Late midseason
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
About this plant
Iris 'Ink Patterns' is a tall bearded plicata iris with exuberantly ruffled flowers opening in late midseason. Crisp white standards and falls are bordered with strong blue-violet stitching, with additional dotting and fine lines extending inward across the petals. Dark blue-violet style arms and white beards tipped in violet-blue complete the intricate coloring. The flowers have a slight fragrance, while upright, sword-shaped green foliage forms tidy fans beneath the stems.
Introduced in 2007 by American hybridizer Thomas Johnson through Mid-America Garden, 'Ink Patterns' has earned several American Iris Society honors, including the Wister Medal in 2013. Its crisp coloring and detailed pattern make it especially effective in sunny borders, cottage gardens, and dedicated iris beds. Place it near a walkway where the fine markings can be appreciated or grow it for distinctive spring cut-flower arrangements.
Works well in
Cottage Gardens · Borders · Cut Flower Gardens · Walkways · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Deutzia · Rose · Catmint · Lupine · Yarrow · Dianthus · Creeping thyme
Design tip
Give 'Ink Patterns' a relatively simple setting where its finely patterned flowers can hold attention without competing with too many busy textures. Repeating white and blue-purple elsewhere in the bed will carry its coloring through the planting while keeping the overall effect cohesive.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens.
