Northwest Blooms · Irises
Iris 'Starring'
Starring Iris
- Height
- 33 inches
- Width
- 1 to 1 1/2 feet
- Flower color
- White and purple-black with brick-red beards
- 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 'Starring' is a tall bearded iris with dramatic two-toned flowers that bloom in late midseason. The standards are white, sometimes showing a subtle violet cast, while the broad falls are a deep purple-black with a velvety appearance. Brick-red beards provide a warm, concentrated accent between the light standards and exceptionally dark falls. The strong contrast gives each flower a crisp, graphic quality above upright, sword-shaped green foliage.
Hybridized by Joseph Ghio, 'Starring' was registered in 1999 and introduced by Bay View Gardens in 2000. It went on to receive several American Iris Society honors, including the Franklin Cook Cup in 2002, Award of Merit in 2004, and Wister Medal in 2007. Its combination of pale standards and dark falls makes it particularly effective where a planting needs depth and a clearly defined focal point.
Works well in
Formal Gardens · Borders · Cut Flower Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Walkways
Companion plants
Dwarf golden ninebark · Mugo pine · White candytuft · Golden marguerite · Blue salvia · Rose campion · Creeping speedwell
Design tip
Give 'Starring' enough open space around its flowering stems for the sharp contrast between white standards and dark falls to remain visible. A backdrop of medium green foliage works especially well, keeping the nearly black petals distinct without competing for attention.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Schreiner's Iris Gardens.
