Iris Sharp Dressed Man - Tall bearded iris

Iris 'Sharp Dressed Man' is a vigorous Bearded Iris variety with theatrical charm. Come May, the plant produces tall flowering stems adorned with magnificent flowers: the upright petals display a rich mauve that perfectly complements the deep purple, almost black sepals. A large, bright orange-red beard adorns the sepals, enhancing the flower's striking beauty and appeal. This exceptionally elegant, tall iris will blend beautifully into a bed of perennials and flowering bushes, extending the flowering season.

Irises belong to the Iridaceae family. Native to Syria, Iris germanica is also known as the Bearded Iris, German Iris, or Garden Iris, named for the fuzzy excrescence that develops on its sepals.
The Bearded Iris 'Sharp Dressed Man' was bred in 2010 by hybridiser Thomas Johnson, crossing two of his own varieties, 'Paul Black' and 'Saturn'.
'Sharp Dressed Man' forms vigorous clumps of long, glaucous-green, sword-shaped leaves arranged alternately in fan-like formations. In spring, long flowering stems bearing 3 to 5 buds begin stretching skyward. By May, depending on the climate, the buds open to reveal large flowers approximately 13 cm wide. Three wavy-edged, slightly ruffled petals stand upright, modestly concealing the three-branched style—the female sexual organ. Their colour is an iridescent purple-mauve, beautifully complementing the three sepals which form the lower part of the corolla, gracefully arching downward to showcase their splendour. Rounded with delicately wavy edges, their deep purple to near-black hue gives them a velvety appearance, further enhanced when raindrops cling to them. The crowning touch is an imposing bright orange-red beard on each sepal, appearing almost fluorescent against the dark background. The flowers also emit a delicate fragrance.

Bearded Iris 'Sharp Dressed Man' captivates with its darkly beautiful flowers, accentuated by vibrant highlights. To maximise its impact, pair it with other ornamental plants whose flowering periods will frame its own, after flowering irises lose much of their aesthetic appeal. Choose from naturalising bulbs to fill your bed with seasonal flowers, ideal for planting at the base of perennials or bushes. For a backdrop, consider the white spring blooms of Spiraea × vanhouttei. The compact Weigela florida 'Nana Variegata', with its green and yellow variegated foliage, makes an excellent companion. For summer, indulge in the stunning Hibiscus syriacus, boasting large flowers in an array of captivating colours.