Northwest Blooms · Irises
Iris 'Rise Like A Phoenix'
Rise Like A Phoenix Iris
- Height
- 4 feet
- Width
- 1 1/2 to 2 feet
- Flower color
- Bright gold with velvety dark red-black falls
- Foliage color
- Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
- Bloom time
- Midseason to late season
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 8
About this plant
Iris 'Rise Like A Phoenix' is a tall bearded iris with fragrant, richly colored flowers that bloom from midseason into the later iris season. Golden standards are brushed with warm reddish brown, particularly near their bases, while the falls are an exceptionally deep burgundy-red that approaches black. A creamy patch beneath the beard breaks through the dark coloring, and golden-orange beards provide a warm central accent. Upright, sword-shaped green foliage supports the unusually tall flowering stems.
Introduced in 2017 by Paul Black, 'Rise Like A Phoenix' has received numerous American Iris Society honors, including the Wister Medal in 2024. Its dramatic dark-and-gold coloring and impressive stature make it particularly effective as a focal point in sunny borders and dedicated iris beds.
Works well in
Cottage Gardens · Borders · Cut Flower Gardens · Walkways · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Spirea · Shrub rose · Blue salvia · Coneflower · Yarrow · Lamb's ear · Creeping phlox
Design tip
Use 'Rise Like A Phoenix' where its dark falls can be seen against a lighter background rather than disappearing into deep green foliage. Pale stone, silver leaves, or softly colored neighboring flowers will help define the blooms and make their warm gold standards stand out.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Schreiner’s Iris Gardens.
