1 / 4

Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded Iris (TB), Bitone
Height: 36 inches
Width: 1 to 1 1/2 feet
Flower color: Medium purple and purple-black with bright orange 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 'Sharp Dressed Man'

Sharp Dressed Man Iris

Iris 'Sharp Dressed Man' is a tall bearded iris with deeply colored, elegantly ruffled flowers that bloom in midseason. The standards are a luminous medium purple, while the velvety falls deepen dramatically to purple-black with subtly lighter edges. Brilliant orange beards stand out against the dark petals, creating a concentrated flash of warm color at the center. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and are carried above upright, sword-shaped green foliage.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Midseason

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cut Flower Gardens
Formal Gardens
Walkways
Foundation Plantings

Companion plants

Golden spirea · Dwarf spruce · Cream foxglove · Yellow coreopsis · Blue globe thistle · Silver wormwood · White creeping phlox

Design tip

Position 'Sharp Dressed Man' where afternoon light can catch the purple standards and reveal the velvety texture of its darker falls. Pale flowers or light-colored hardscape nearby will sharpen its silhouette and prevent the nearly black blooms from disappearing into the background.