Description of Iris louisiana ‘Black Gamecock’

The Iris louisiana ‘Black Gamecock’ is a popular choice for British gardeners who have a damp spot to fill. This cultivar of the Louisiana iris group brings a deep, dark colour to the garden from late spring into early summer.

Appearance and Growth Habit

Iris louisiana ‘Black Gamecock’ forms upright clumps of foliage. The leaves are long and sword-shaped. They are a solid green colour. The plant typically reaches a height between 90 and 120 cm.

The flowers are the main attraction. They are large and appear on strong stems above the leaves. The petals are a very deep purple. This colour is so dark that it often looks black, especially from a distance. The flowers do not have bright yellow signals like some irises. Instead, they offer a pure, dark hue. This creates a bold look in the garden. Each flower lasts for a few days, and the plant produces a succession of blooms.

Ideal Growing Conditions

This iris performs best in specific conditions. It loves moisture. The ideal location is in full sun, but it will also cope with partial shade.

Plant it where the soil stays consistently damp. The edge of a pond or stream is perfect. It can also grow in a bog garden or a reliably moist border. This iris can even tolerate having its roots in shallow water, up to about 15 cm deep. It is hardy in the UK climate and will return year after year.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Plant the rhizomes just at the soil surface. Do not bury them too deeply. The best times for planting are early autumn or spring.

Care for Iris louisiana ‘Black Gamecock’ is simple. It benefits from being divided every few years. This prevents the clump from becoming too crowded, which can reduce flowering. The best time to divide the rhizomes is in late summer. Simply lift the clump, separate healthy sections, and replant them.

Remove the spent flower stems after blooming. This keeps the plant looking tidy. You can leave the foliage until it dies back naturally in autumn.

Where to Plant It in Your Garden

Use this iris to create a focal point. Its dark flowers stand out against green foliage or light-coloured surroundings. It works well planted in groups along a pond margin. It also combines effectively with other moisture-loving plants.

Try pairing it with lighter coloured flowers for contrast. Yellow flag irises or the white blooms of bog primroses make good companions. The dark flowers of the ‘Black Gamecock’ will look even more dramatic next to them.

Benefits for Garden Wildlife

This plant supports local pollinators. Bees are attracted to the large, open flowers. By planting it, you provide a source of nectar in late spring. The dense clumps of leaves can also offer shelter for small creatures near the water's edge.

Iris louisiana ‘Black Gamecock’ is a practical and visually effective plant for wet areas. Its simple needs and strong performance make it a reliable choice for adding depth and colour to the garden.