High Country Gardens
Black Lipstick Bearded Iris
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking dramatic, pest-resistant floral color.
The Black Lipstick Bearded Iris offers a dramatic, nearly-black bloom with deep purple standards and ruffled black falls, accented by dark blue beards. This award-winning variety flowers in early to mid-summer, providing striking contrast in the garden. It's a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that resists deer and rabbits, making it ideal for waterwise gardens. The attractive foliage remains appealing after blooming, serving as a beautiful backdrop for other plants and is also excellent for cut flower arrangements.
$10.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
848
/ 2577
#848 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, high-contrast focal points
- Designers looking for sophisticated, detailed floral textures
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting reliable, drought-tolerant perennials
Who should skip it
- Gardeners desiring a long-lasting, season-long floral display
- Beginners avoiding plants that require vigilant pest monitoring
- Minimalists wanting plants that stay tidy after blooming
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
The near-black, ruffled petals create a sophisticated, high-contrast garden focal point.
Maintenance Ease
Drought-tolerant nature ensures a thriving display with minimal ongoing effort.
Pest Resilience
Natural resistance to deer and rabbits protects your investment from wildlife.
Pollinator Appeal
Attracts butterflies, adding dynamic movement to your perennial landscape.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and dramatic color make these ideal for indoor arrangements.
Climate Versatility
Wide hardiness zone range allows for successful growth across diverse regions.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Low to Moderate
Flower Species
Lily
Light Requirement
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Summer
Growth Habit
Mounding
Mature Height
35 inches tall
Mature Spread
12 inches wide
Features
- Dramatic, nearly-black blooms
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts butterflies
- Provides autumn interest
- Suitable for cut flowers
- Easy to grow
- Ideal for small spaces
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Black Lipstick Bearded Iris rhizomes, noting their robust health upon arrival. The primary appeal lies in the dramatic, near black color which delivers on its unique design promise. Gardeners frequently highlight the successful establishment rate and the striking, velvety blooms that provide a sophisticated focal point in the landscape. This iris is celebrated for its reliable performance and distinctive aesthetic value.
Know before you buy
Yes, it features deep purple standards and ruffled, nearly-black falls that create a dramatic, dark appearance. The dark blue beards add a subtle contrast that enhances the overall intensity of the bloom.
This variety is considered low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. It thrives in well-drained soil with low to moderate watering, making it a reliable choice for waterwise gardens.
No, this iris is specifically noted for being deer and rabbit resistant. It is an excellent choice for gardeners who struggle with local wildlife browsing on their flower beds.
These irises perform best in full sun to partial shade and reach a mature height of 35 inches with a 12-inch spread. Because of their mounding habit, they are well-suited for small spaces and should be planted 12 to 24 inches apart.
Absolutely. The Black Lipstick Bearded Iris is excellent for cut flower arrangements, providing a bold, unique color palette that stands out in a vase.
The plant remains attractive after the flowers fade, with foliage that serves as a clean, green backdrop for other garden plants. It also provides continued interest throughout the autumn months.
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$11