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Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded Iris (TB)
Height: 3 feet
Width: 1 1/2 to 2 feet
Flower color: Lilac standards with velvety jet-black falls
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 'Main Street'

Main Street Iris

Iris 'Main Street' is a tall bearded iris with ruffled, sweetly fragrant flowers that open in early midseason. Soft lavender standards carry deeper purple through their centers and a narrow warm cream edge. Below, velvety near-black falls create a dramatic contrast, with small white markings appearing near the shoulders. Fiery red-orange beards provide a bright accent against the exceptionally dark lower petals. Upright, sword-shaped green foliage forms tidy fans beneath the flowering stems.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Early midseason

Find this plant

Works well in

Cottage Gardens
Borders
Cut Flower Gardens
Walkways
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Dwarf lilac · Cinquefoil · Bee balm · Goldenrod · Blue flax · Dusty miller · Creeping phlox

Design tip

Use 'Main Street' where its nearly black falls can be viewed against a lighter background rather than disappearing into shadows. Pale foliage, light stone, or softly colored flowers nearby will sharpen its outline, while repeating touches of lavender elsewhere helps connect the planting naturally.