Overview
Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Iris, part of the Iridaceae family, with sword-shaped foliage. Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers.
About
Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' is a clump-forming iris in the Iridaceae with sword-shaped foliage. It flowers in the UK from May to July. Plant in well-drained loam of neutral pH in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site. Suitable for borders, rock gardens and containers and rated fully hardy (H7) for UK conditions.
About the genus
Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and for once the naming feels entirely earned. I can't think of another genus that covers so much ground — inky purples, burnt apricots, clean whites, blues that seem lit from inside — or so many situations. There are bearded irises that want their rhizomes baked in full sun, Siberian types happy in ordinary border soil, and species that will sit contentedly at the edge of a pond. What they share is the flower: three petals standing up, three falling away, built with a kind of architectural confidence most plants never attempt. Even out of bloom the foliage earns its place — those upright fans of blue-green leaves hold a border together for months. I grow them for the fortnight in May and June when nothing else in the garden can compete, and I've made my peace with that. Some plants are for the long haul. An iris is an event.
Written by Henry
In the garden
Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' is a clump-forming perennial in the iris family, notable for its upright, sword-shaped leaves and a defined spring–early summer flowering period. In the UK it blooms from May to July, offering a concentrated display through late spring into mid-summer. Choose a south-facing, sheltered spot with full sun and soil that is a loam type, neutral in pH and free-draining. The plant's hardiness rating of H7 means it tolerates typical UK winter conditions without special winter protection; avoid waterlogged positions and give a sunny, protected aspect where possible. Where space allows, use Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' in mixed perennial borders, in gravel or rock garden pockets where drainage is good, or in containers positioned on a sunny, sheltered patio. The species shows its value by providing a compact, seasonal display concentrated between May and July, making it suitable where a defined flowering window is required.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Iris
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Sword-shaped
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Iris chrysographes 'Black Form'
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Iris chrysographes 'Black Form'?
Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' need?
Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' hardy in the UK?
Iris chrysographes 'Black Form' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Iris chrysographes 'Black Form'?
Division, seed.
More in the Iris genus
- Iris 'Antigone' (TB)
- Iris 'Dauntless' (TB)
- Iris 'Dipped in Dots' (TB)
- Iris 'Ablaze' (MDB)
- Iris 'After the Storm' (TB)
- Iris 'Aldo Ratti' (TB)
- Iris 'Alene's New Love' (SDB)iris 'Alene's New Love'
- Iris 'Alpine Lake' (MDB)