Tall Bearded Iris 'Before the Storm': A 1988 Innerst Introduction

Tall Bearded Iris 'Before the Storm' is a dramatic cultivar introduced in 1988 by hybridizer Innerst. Its evocative name hints at the dark, brooding beauty of its flowers, which are among the closest to true black in the iris world.

Near-Black Elegance

'Before the Storm' produces large, ruffled blooms of an intensely deep, velvety purple-black. The color is so saturated it appears black in most light, with only a hint of purple in bright sun. The beard is a matching dark purple, maintaining the monochromatic effect. Stems are tall (36-40 inches), strong, and well-branched, carrying 7-9 buds.

Garden Impact

This iris creates a stunning focal point in the garden, especially when paired with white, silver, or bright yellow companions. It demands full sun and excellent drainage to achieve its darkest coloration. 'Before the Storm' is a vigorous grower and a good increaser. Its unique color has made it a sought-after variety for both garden display and hybridizing programs aiming for darker irises.

Innerst's Hybridizing

Innerst was known for his work with dark-colored irises. 'Before the Storm', introduced in 1988, is considered one of the best of the "black" irises of its era, combining depth of color with good plant habit. It has been widely used in breeding and remains a benchmark for dark cultivars.