1 / 3Key characteristics
- Classification
- Species
- Height
- 1 to 2 feet
- Width
- 1 to 1.5 feet
- Flower color
- Deep purple to black
- Foliage color
- Green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate to high
- Growing zone
- Zones 5 to 8
Irises
Iris chrysographes
Black Iris
Iris chrysographes, commonly known as the black iris, is a beardless perennial iris admired for its dramatic, velvety flowers. The blooms, which appear in late spring to early summer, range from deep purple to near-black and may feature delicate golden veins on the falls.
Native to China and Myanmar, Iris chrysographes thrives in moist, temperate environments and is often planted near water features or in damp garden areas.
Works well in
- Borders
- Cottage Gardens
- Pollinator Gardens
- Rain Gardens
- Containers
Companion plants
Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
More irises
Iris hollandica 'Lion King'
Lion King Dutch Iris
Blooms burgundy-purple standards with deep yellow falls etched with burgundy-purple veins
Full sun
Iris sibirica ‘Miss Apple’
Miss Apple Siberian Iris
Blooms reddish-purple with white and yellow accents
Full sun to partial shade
Iris ensata 'Foreign Intrigue'
Foreign Intrigue Japanese Iris
Blooms deep purple with white and yellow accents
Full sun to partial shade
Iris PCH ‘Purple’
Purple Pacifc Coast Hybrid Iris
Blooms deep purple
Full sun to partial shade