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Key characteristics

Classification: Tall Bearded Iris (TB), Variegata
Height: 3 feet
Width: 1 to 1 1/2 feet
Flower color: Mustard yellow with deep maroon-black falls
Foliage color: Medium green, upright, sword-shaped foliage
Bloom time: Midseason to late season
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8

Irises

Iris 'Vigilante'

Vigilante Iris

Iris 'Vigilante' is a tall bearded variegata iris with richly contrasting flowers that bloom from mid to late season. Mustard-yellow standards rise above deep maroon-black falls, creating a dramatic division of warm and dark color. Old-gold beards complement the standards and add warmth at the center of each bloom. Upright, sword-shaped green foliage forms sturdy fans beneath the flowering stems.

Introduced in 1991 by Schreiner's Gardens, 'Vigilante' received an American Iris Society Honorable Mention in 1993 and Award of Merit in 1995.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Midseason to late season

Find this plant

Works well in

Cottage Gardens
Borders
Cut Flower Gardens
Walkways
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Ninebark · Shrub rose · Penstemon · Blanket flower · Blue flax · Artemisia · Stonecrop

Design tip

Use 'Vigilante' where its dark falls have a lighter backdrop rather than deep green foliage behind them. Pale flowers, silvery leaves, or light-colored stone nearby will sharpen the contrast, while repeating touches of gold elsewhere in the bed ties the planting together naturally.