In our opinion, this is one of the best dark Irises for the June border, and certainly the largest. Blooms are a deep, velvety purple-black, a bit darker on the falls than on the standard. Altogether a lovely, mysterious bloom. Early midseason.

'Hello Darkness' won both the Dykes (1999) and the Wister medals (1998). The Dykes Medal is the Nobel prize of the Iris world, given annually to just one Tall Bearded Iris. Plants so recognized are famous for generations, but most important, they are superior garden plants.

Iris are among the best-known and best-loved garden plants. Say the word, Iris, and visions of brilliant June flowers come to mind. This huge genus contains upwards of 200 species, which range from timid and inconspicuous wildlings to the splendid and extravagant. The chosen habitats of Iris range from standing water to formal borders, and there is scarcely a shade or combination of colors that can't be found. Plenty of sun and well-drained soil with a pH near neutral are the primary requirements for their success.Bearded Iris are best planted in the fall because they go dormant in June and are harvested in August. We start shipping bareroot plants in early September, continue to late October for warmer zones. For Zones 3–4 (yes, they are hardy in Zone 3), we recommend early orders, which we will fill in early to mid-September.