Iris 'Black Gamecock' (La)
iris 'Black Gamecock'
A moisture-loving plant that can be planted at the edges of a pond or streamside. It's bright green strap-like, sword shaped leaves persist in sheltered areas throught winter. In late spring/ early summer it produces stems, of up to 70cm, topped by velvety, deep purple flowers with a flash of golden yellow at the base of the petals
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Black Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrow leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
- Name status
Accepted
- Horticultural Group
- Louisiana Hybrid irises are rhizomatous perennials with beardless flowers 7-20cm across, borne several to each stem in spring and early summer
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in reliably damp soil that is rich in organic matter in a sun or partial shade. Can be grown as a marginal plant in ponds and along streamsides
Propagation
Propagate by division in late summer after flowering. See dividing irises
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Gravel garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required. Cut back faded flower stems after flowering. Remove withered leaves in autumn
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to aphid-borne viruses, bacterial soft rot and grey moulds; see Iris diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.