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Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded Iris (TB)
Height: 35 inches
Width: 1 to 1 1/2 feet
Flower color: Black-purple standards, nearly black falls, dark blue beards
Foliage color: Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
Bloom time: Early midseason
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8

Irises

Iris 'Black Lipstick'

Black Lipstick Iris

Iris 'Black Lipstick' is a tall bearded iris with generously ruffled flowers that bloom in early midseason. Silky black-purple standards rise above velvety falls that deepen to an exceptionally dark, nearly black tone. Solid dark blue beards provide a subtle contrast without interrupting the flower's dramatic coloring. The compact blooms are carried on well-branched stems above upright, sword-shaped green foliage.

Introduced in 2016 by hybridizer Keith Keppel, 'Black Lipstick' has earned several American Iris Society honors, including the 2018 Walther Cup, 2021 Award of Merit, and 2023 Wister Medal.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Early midseason

Find this plant

Works well in

Formal Gardens
Borders
Cut Flower Gardens
Walkways
Foundation Plantings

Companion plants

Dwarf golden barberry · Shrub cinquefoil · White peony · Golden yarrow · Silver sage · Blue fescue · Snow-in-summer

Design tip

Place 'Black Lipstick' against pale flowers, light stone, or silvery foliage rather than a dark backdrop. The contrast helps preserve the outline of its nearly black blooms, especially from a distance, while allowing their subtle purple tones to remain visible.