Iris chrysographes (Gold-Marked Iris)

Slightly fragrant, Iris chrysographes (Gold-Marked Iris) is a striking herbaceous perennial forming a clump of narrow, gray-green leaves. In late spring to early summer, stunning, velvety, deep red-purple or purple-black flowers, 2-4 in. wide (5-10 cm), with gold etching on the falls, are borne on branched stems above the foliage. Native to Southern China and Myanmar, this beardless rhizomatous iris enjoys abundant moisture and is well-suited to bog gardens, or beside the water.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 18-20 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in medium to wet, neutral to slightly acid loam.
• A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens, and near streams or ponds, where it will provide excellent color contrast.
• Keep an eye out for slugs, snails, thrips, and gray mold. Deer resistant.
• Remove any dying foliage in autumn, old flower stems can be cut down after flowering.
• Propagate by division from midsummer to early autumn, and plant immediately in flowering positions.
• All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to Southern China and Myanmar (Burma), growing in meadows, streamsides, hillsides, and forest margins.