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Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded Iris (TB), Bicolor
Height: 33 inches
Width: 1 to 1 1/2 feet
Flower color: White and purple-black with brick-red beards
Foliage color: Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
Bloom time: Late midseason
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8

Irises

Iris 'Starring'

Starring Iris

Iris 'Starring' is a tall bearded iris with dramatic two-toned flowers that bloom in late midseason. The standards are white, sometimes showing a subtle violet cast, while the broad falls are a deep purple-black with a velvety appearance. Brick-red beards provide a warm, concentrated accent between the light standards and exceptionally dark falls. The strong contrast gives each flower a crisp, graphic quality above upright, sword-shaped green foliage.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate, drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Late midseason

Find this plant

Works well in

Formal Gardens
Borders
Cut Flower Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Walkways

Companion plants

Dwarf golden ninebark · Mugo pine · White candytuft · Golden marguerite · Blue salvia · Rose campion · Creeping speedwell

Design tip

Give 'Starring' enough open space around its flowering stems for the sharp contrast between white standards and dark falls to remain visible. A backdrop of medium green foliage works especially well, keeping the nearly black petals distinct without competing for attention.