Northwest Blooms · Irises
Iris 'Playing Hooky'
Playing Hooky Iris
- Height
- 3 to 3 1/4 feet
- Width
- 1 1/2 to 2 feet
- Bloom size
- 8 inches
- Flower color
- Violet-blue with frosted edges and lavender-tipped yellow beards
- Foliage color
- Medium green, upright, sword-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Midseason, typically late spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
About this plant
Iris 'Playing Hooky' is a tall bearded iris with large, ruffled violet-blue flowers that open in midseason. Deeper violet-blue coloring gathers toward the centers, gradually softening along frosted edges, while yellow-based beards tipped in lavender add warm contrast. Light fragrance accompanies the eight-inch blooms, carried on sturdy, many-budded stalks. Upright, sword-shaped green foliage forms a neat clump below.
Introduced by Schreiner's Gardens in 2026, 'Playing Hooky' originated from the Schreiner breeding program as seedling J179-1, with 'Cornbread N' Honey', 'Decadence', and 'Ringtone' in its parentage. Its cool coloring works beautifully in cottage gardens, perennial borders, and dedicated iris beds. Plant it along walkways for close viewing or grow several together for an abundant cut-flower display.
Works well in
Cottage Gardens · Borders · Cut Flower Gardens · Walkways · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Boxwood · Spirea · Peonies · Yarrow · Catmint · Creeping phlox · Lamb's ear
Design tip
Place 'Playing Hooky' near the middle of a sunny bed where its tall flower stems can rise naturally through lower plantings. Repeat small groups at intervals rather than creating one large mass, giving the garden a relaxed sense of rhythm while allowing each clump room to stand out.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens.
