Bearded Iris Black Knight

Step into the world of sophistication with Bearded Iris 'Black Knight', a truly striking variety that brings an air of mystery and elegance to your garden. Its velvety, deep purple-black blooms command attention with their dramatic tones and intricate ruffled edges. The bold flowers are further enhanced by their royal purple beards, adding an exquisite touch of contrast that elevates this iris into a class of its own.

Standing tall at 90-100 cm, this majestic iris is ideal for creating vertical interest in borders, alongside pathways, or in mixed perennial displays. Its sword-like, grey-green foliage offers structure and presence even when the plant isn’t in bloom, providing year-round architectural value. Expect 'Black Knight' to bloom from late spring to early summer, offering weeks of captivating beauty just as the garden begins to awaken into its full glory.

What truly sets 'Black Knight' apart is its rich, almost-black colouring – a rare and sought-after shade in the gardening world. Few plants can match its intensity, making it a fantastic choice for creating bold contrasts when paired with lighter-toned flowers, such as whites, silvers, or pale pinks.

Another exceptional detail is its hardiness and resilience in UK gardens. Despite its luxurious appearance, 'Black Knight' thrives in a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-draining, and it’s surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. This makes it a fantastic option for both seasoned gardeners and those new to irises.

A lesser-known characteristic is its performance as a cut flower. With its tall, sturdy stems and striking blooms, 'Black Knight' adds dramatic flair to indoor arrangements, lasting beautifully in a vase.

We ship our Bearded Iris 'Black Knight' as bare root plants in spring, ensuring they arrive in prime condition, ready to establish and flourish in your garden.

Learn how to grow Bearded Iris

Botanical name: Iris germanica 'Black Knight'
Common name: Bearded Iris 'Black Knight'
Flower colour: Deep purple-black with royal purple beards
Established height: 90-100 cm
Established spread: 40-50 cm
Leaf colour: Grey-green, sword-like foliage
Habit: Upright · Clump-forming
Blooming time: Late spring to early summer
Life cycle: Perennial
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK
Soil type: Loamy · Sandy · Chalky (well-drained)
Soil acidity: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: Free draining
Sunlight: Full sun
Suitable for: Borders · Cottage gardens · Cut flower gardens
Pollinator-friendly: Yes
Rabbit resistant: No
Deer resistant: Yes
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Dispatch: In spring
We ship from: London