Iris louisiana 'Black Gamecock'
Best dramatic focal point for pond owners seeking striking seasonal blooms.
Introducing the Iris louisiana 'Black Gamecock', a stunning cultivated variety of the Louisiana Iris, native to the wetlands of the southern United States. This plant is an excellent choice for water gardens, featuring large, captivating flowers up to six inches wide in a deep purple-black hue. Its slender, sword-like foliage adds architectural interest, growing up to three feet tall. With a spread of 24 to 36 inches, it creates a dramatic visual impact, especially when planted in groups. It thrives in full sun and slightly acidic soil, requiring indoor protection during freezing winters.
$8.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
408
/ 955
#408 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
-52%
Below average
Water Temperature Range
7080
/ -° F
Who it's for
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting reliable, long-term perennial color
- Gardeners seeking a bold, high-contrast focal point
- Pond owners needing plants for boggy, wet margins
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with dry soil or limited water access
- People prioritizing long-season floral displays over foliage
- Minimalist gardeners wanting low-effort, non-spreading plant varieties
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep purple-black blooms provide a rare, high-contrast focal point.
Maintenance Ease
Fast-growing rhizome structure requires minimal intervention for pond success.
Aquatic Compatibility
Non-toxic profile ensures complete safety for shrimp and snail populations.
Architectural Versatility
Sword-like foliage adds vertical structure to marginal pond zones.
Environmental Adaptability
Broad hardiness range allows for growth across diverse climate zones.
Growth Rate
Rapid development quickly fills in gaps for a lush appearance.
Key Specs
Water Temperature Range
70-80° F
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Maximum Height
3 feet
Spread
24-36 inches
Hardiness Zones
5-11
Color Form
Black, Purple
Packaging
Potted
Aquarium Placement
Marginal
Features
- Striking deep purple/black flowers up to 6 inches wide
- Architectural, sword-like foliage reaching 3 feet tall
- Ideal for pond edges and water gardens
- Creates a dramatic visual impact
- Easy care level for pond enthusiasts
- Perennial lifespan for long-term beauty
- Non-toxic to aquatic life
- Thrives in full sun conditions
What customers say
Customers rave about the exceptional quality and reliability of the 'Black Gamecock' iris rhizomes. Plants consistently arrive healthy and expertly packaged, ensuring successful establishment. The main appeal is the dependable performance, with the variety reliably producing stunning, velvety black purple blooms true to description. This vigorous growth and vibrant color payoff highlight the plant's superior health. It is a highly valued addition to water gardens, offering dependable beauty that justifies the price.
Know before you buy
This iris is a marginal plant that thrives when rooted in substrate. You can plant it directly into a pond shelf or keep it in a container submerged at the appropriate depth to maintain its position.
While hardy in zones 5-11, the 'Black Gamecock' requires protection from freezing temperatures. If you live in a region with harsh winters, you should bring the plant indoors or move it to a sheltered area to prevent the rhizomes from freezing.
Yes, the Iris louisiana 'Black Gamecock' is non-toxic and perfectly safe for aquatic life, including shrimp and snails. It provides excellent cover and natural filtration for your pond ecosystem.
No, this plant does not require CO2 injection. As a marginal pond plant, it draws nutrients directly from the water and substrate, making it a low-maintenance choice for pond enthusiasts.
Since this variety has a spread of 24 to 36 inches, you should space them at least two to three feet apart to allow for healthy growth and air circulation. Planting them in groups creates a dramatic visual impact as they mature.
For the best results and vibrant flower production, place your 'Black Gamecock' in a location that receives full sun. While it can tolerate medium light, full sun exposure is essential for maintaining its architectural form and deep purple-black coloration.
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$9