Iris chrysographes, commonly known as Black Iris, is a herbaceous perennial that forms clumps through its creeping rhizomes. It is native to stream banks and damp meadows in southwestern China, where it thrives in moist, well-drained soils. The plant features hollow flowering stems, typically 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) in length, which bear slightly scented, reddish-violet to very dark violet flowers. These blooms, appearing in early summer, are almost velvety black and measure 6–9 cm in diameter, making them quite showy. After the flowering period, the foliage dies back, and the rhizome enters a dormant phase until autumn when new growth emerges.

The Black Iris is valued for its unique, dark-hued flowers and is often used in border plantings, water garden settings, and as a striking feature in perennial beds. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, tolerating temperatures down to −20 °C (−4 °F). In cultivation, it prefers neutral to acidic soil and can be grown in full sun to part shade. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is important to ensure good drainage to prevent rhizome rot. Propagation is typically done by seed or division in the spring; however, cultivars must be propagated by division to maintain their characteristics. The plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional performance in gardens. Potential problems include iris borer, rhizome rot, and leaf spot diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0