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Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded Iris (TB)
Height: 38 inches
Width: 1 to 1 1/2 feet
Flower color: Smoky purple-black to near-black with black beards
Foliage color: Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
Bloom time: Midseason
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8

Irises

Iris 'Blackwater'

Blackwater Iris

Iris 'Blackwater' is a tall bearded iris with exceptionally dark, velvety flowers that bloom in midseason. The upright standards are a deep smoky purple-black, while the broad, ruffled falls deepen to an almost true black. Matching black beards blend into the petals rather than creating the contrasting accent seen on many dark irises, giving each flower a remarkably unified appearance. Subtle purple undertones become more apparent as the light moves across the petals.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Midseason

Find this plant

Works well in

Formal Gardens
Borders
Cut Flower Gardens
Mediterranean Gardens
Walkways

Companion plants

Dwarf golden barberry · White rockrose · Apricot yarrow · Blue flax · Yellow evening primrose · Silver cotton lavender · Creeping soapwort

Design tip

Use 'Blackwater' where its dark flowers will be seen against a lighter backdrop rather than deep green foliage. Pale stone, gravel, or cream-colored flowers sharpen its silhouette, while several plants repeated together create a stronger pool of near-black color.