High Country Gardens
Ghost Train Bearded Iris
Best choice for gardeners seeking dramatic, low-maintenance spring blooms.
The Ghost Train Bearded Iris brings a dramatic, moody elegance to your garden with its nearly black blooms, featuring deep purple standards and striking black falls. This award-winning perennial stands tall on stalks up to 37 inches, offering abundant blooms with 7-11 buds per stem. It's celebrated for its low maintenance and drought tolerance once established, plus natural resistance to deer and rabbits. Thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil, this variety is a captivating addition to any landscape, gracing your garden with vibrant color in the spring.
$8.24
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 3076
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Mature Height
37
/ inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic, high-contrast focal points
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts prioritizing water-wise, low-maintenance landscapes
- Plant lovers wanting extended seasonal color displays
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners unable to perform regular pest monitoring
- Owners of shaded or woodland-style garden plots
- Impatient gardeners expecting immediate, full-scale blooms
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
The near-black, moody aesthetic creates a sophisticated focal point in landscapes.
Pest Resistance
Natural deterrents against deer and rabbits minimize the need for protective measures.
Bloom Productivity
High bud counts per stem ensure a dense and prolonged floral display.
Maintenance Ease
Drought tolerance and hardy perennial nature simplify long-term garden upkeep.
Climate Versatility
Wide hardiness zone range allows for successful growth across diverse climates.
Cut Flower Utility
Tall, dramatic stalks provide excellent structure for striking indoor floral arrangements.
Key Specs
Mature Height
37 inches
Mature Spread
12 inches
Growing Zones
3-9
Flower Freshness Duration
Up to 4 days
Bud Count per Stem
7-11 buds
Ships As
Bare Root
Awards
Royal Horticultural Society Honorable Mention '02, Award of Merit '04
Stem Length
37 inches
Features
- Striking nearly black bloom color
- Tall 37-inch stalks for dramatic display
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Low maintenance and drought-tolerant
- Produces multiple branches for abundant blooms
- Award-winning variety
- Blooms in spring
- Excellent for bouquets
What customers say
Customers are consistently impressed with the exceptional quality of the Ghost Train Bearded Iris rhizomes, noting their healthy arrival and readiness to thrive. The plant's reliability and striking design are key highlights. Gardeners appreciate the deep, near black purple coloration, confirming the blooms match catalog descriptions. This variety establishes quickly, producing vigorous and dependable blooms that become a standout garden feature, proving to be a worthwhile investment for its beauty and performance.
Know before you buy
This iris performs best in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. For the most abundant blooms, aim for a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Yes, the Ghost Train Bearded Iris is naturally resistant to deer and rabbits. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, this variety is generally avoided by them.
Shipping as a bare root means the plant arrives without soil around its roots, which is a standard and healthy way to transport dormant perennials. You should plant it promptly upon arrival in well-drained soil to help it establish quickly.
Once established, this variety is quite drought-tolerant and requires only average watering. It is important to ensure the soil remains well-drained, as these irises do not like to sit in waterlogged conditions.
Yes, their tall 37-inch stalks and dramatic, dark color make them an excellent choice for bouquets. Once cut, the blooms typically remain fresh for up to four days.
Yes, the Ghost Train is a hardy perennial that will return each spring. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of climates.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$8