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Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded
Height: 3 to 3 1/4 feet
Width: 1 1/2 to 2 feet
Bloom size: 8 inches
Flower color: Violet-blue with frosted edges and lavender-tipped yellow beards
Foliage color: Medium green, upright, sword-shaped leaves
Bloom time: Midseason, typically late spring
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8

Irises

Iris 'Playing Hooky'

Playing Hooky Iris

Iris 'Playing Hooky' is a tall bearded iris with large, ruffled violet-blue flowers that open in midseason. Deeper violet-blue coloring gathers toward the centers, gradually softening along frosted edges, while yellow-based beards tipped in lavender add warm contrast. Light fragrance accompanies the eight-inch blooms, carried on sturdy, many-budded stalks. Upright, sword-shaped green foliage forms a neat clump below.

Introduced by Schreiner's Gardens in 2026, 'Playing Hooky' originated from the Schreiner breeding program as seedling J179-1, with 'Cornbread N' Honey', 'Decadence', and 'Ringtone' in its parentage.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Midseason, typically late spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Cottage Gardens
Borders
Cut Flower Gardens
Walkways
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Boxwood · Spirea · Peonies · Yarrow · Catmint · Creeping phlox · Lamb's ear

Design tip

Place 'Playing Hooky' near the middle of a sunny bed where its tall flower stems can rise naturally through lower plantings. Repeat small groups at intervals rather than creating one large mass, giving the garden a relaxed sense of rhythm while allowing each clump room to stand out.