Tall Bearded Iris 'Diabolique': Wickedly Beautiful from Schreiner's Dark Side

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Diabolique' tempts with wickedly beautiful darkness in the late spring garden. Introduced in 1997 by Schreiner, this cultivar embraces the allure of the forbidden, translating diabolical intrigue into a tall bearded iris of profound, velvety depth.

Visual Characteristics

Cultivar Profile

Growing Notes

Schreiner's 'Diabolique' (1997) represents the late 1990s advancement in dark tall bearded iris breeding. True dark TBs—approaching black or deep, velvety purple—are among the most challenging colors to breed. They require intense pigmentation without the brownish or muddy undertones that can dull the effect. The name 'Diabolique' (French for "diabolical") perfectly captures the seductive danger of these dark beauties. Dark-colored tall bearded irises create the most dramatic focal points in the garden. They are particularly effective when backlit by low sun, which makes the petals glow like dark stained glass. In design, they provide essential contrast and depth, preventing pastel gardens from becoming washed out. Pair with white, silver, chartreuse, or bright pink companions for maximum impact. In hot climates (zones 8-9), dark irises can suffer heat damage; provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture during bloom.