Iris germanica ‘Black Lipstick’ (Bearded Iris) offers a dramatic, nearly-black bloom for a standout garden. Easy to grow, plant them in a sunny spot with good drainage, in groups of three or more for best interest. Keep the top of the rhizomes exposed or even with the top of the soil. Once established, Bearded Irises are drought-tolerant, deer resistant, and rabbit resistant, and will spread and multiply when happy. Once flowers have faded, this versatile plant’s eye-catching vertical foliage will continue to enhance the perennial garden. Plant with ornamental grasses and other water-thrifty, late spring bloomers such as Allium and Oriental Poppies. Lavender, Gaillardia, Echinacea, and Salvia will benefit from the striking foliage as a backdrop. ‘Black Lipstick’ Bearded Iris received an American Iris Society Honorable Mention in 2018 and an Award of Merit in 2021.