Celebrating two decades of delighting gardeners and cut-flower lovers, 'Before the Storm' is a stunning charcoal-black Tall Bearded Iris that swept the awards when it was introduced, and continues to wow newcomers to its beauty. Complementing every other color in the Iris garden, it is strongly recommended for the sunny border and cutting garden.
Reaching 37 inches high, this majestic late spring to early summer bloomer would make a fine impression even if its flowers weren't so dramatically colored. Without contrasting beards or any markings, they are simply billowy sails of soft ebony, exotic in silhouette and always breathtaking among the whites, and purples of the Iris garden. It even makes a splendid companion to harvest-moon orange 'Savannah Sunset,' like an early glimpse of Halloween!
'Before the Storm' was introduced by Innerst in 1989, and proceded to walk off with an Honorable Mention from the American Iris Society in 1991, the Award of Merit in 1993, the Wister Medal in 1995, and the (highly coveted) Dykes Medal in 1996. Just as important, it remains a beloved and dependable favorite of gardeners across the country. You will find it reliable and even more lovely than its photo conveys. Zones 4-9.
