BLACK JOKER SIBERIAN IRIS

BLACK JOKER SIBERIAN IRIS Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips

• Recommended Soil:
• Prefers fertile, organically enriched soil that retains consistent moisture.
• Performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.
• Adapts well to average, clay, or rich soils with good drainage.
• An excellent choice for rain gardens, pond edges, and naturally moist planting areas.
• Sun Exposure:
• Produces the most abundant blooms in full sun.
• Appreciates partial afternoon shade in warmer southern climates.
• Good light encourages sturdy stems and vibrant flower color.
• Thrives in open locations with healthy air circulation.
• Irrigation Needs:
• Keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.
• Provide supplemental watering during extended periods of heat or drought.
• Avoid allowing soil to become completely dry for prolonged periods.
• Reliable moisture supports lush foliage and stronger flowering performance.
• Feeding & Nutrients:
• Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• Incorporate compost annually to improve soil structure and fertility.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce flower production.
• Healthy, organically enriched soil promotes vigorous long-term growth.
• Pruning & Maintenance:
• Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance.
• Leave healthy foliage intact until it naturally declines later in the season.
• Divide mature clumps only when flowering noticeably decreases.
• Naturally resistant to many common iris diseases, making maintenance refreshingly simple.

Family: Iridaceae · Common Name: Iris

FREE with every plant purchased:

• The Sooner Guarantee: For details, click here!
• A pre-applied, pre-measured amount of time release fertilizer that keeps your plant well nourished for up to one year.
• Pre-hydrated Hydro-Gels are included in the top of each container to use when planting as they help retain soil moisture, and plants will establish more quickly with less transplant shock. Plants will also survive drought-like conditions and accidental missed waterings better.
• Planting and Care Instruction brochure.
• Catalogs of new and exciting plant brands, such as Garden Debut® and Proven Winners®.

We use and recommend www.dripdepot.com for our irrigation needs, from simple to install micro and drip systems, to commercial grade irrigation parts and supplies.

Interesting Notes About BLACK JOKER SIBERIAN IRIS

• A Champion Among Siberian Irises: 'Black Joker' earned the Morgan-Wood Medal in 2023, the highest award presented specifically for Siberian irises, following its earlier Honorable Mention and Award of Merit honors from the American Iris Society.
• Created by Iris Legends: This remarkable cultivar was hybridized by Marty Schafer and Jan Sacks, two internationally respected breeders whose introductions have shaped many of today's finest Siberian iris varieties.
• Aqua Blue Makes the Difference: Beyond its dramatic purple and gold petals, 'Black Joker' features unusual aqua-blue style arms that give the flowers added depth and a distinctive multi-dimensional appearance rarely found in perennial garden plants.
• A Blooming Bridge Between Seasons: Siberian irises naturally flower after Tall Bearded Irises and before Japanese Irises, making them an ideal choice for extending iris color across the landscape with uninterrupted seasonal interest.
• Beautiful and Surprisingly Tough: Despite its elegant appearance, 'Black Joker' is exceptionally resilient, offering excellent disease resistance, tolerance of Black Walnut juglone, resistance to deer and rabbits, and even adaptability to erosion-prone planting sites.