Tall Bearded Iris 'Dutch Chocolate': Rich Indulgence from a 1970 Classic

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Dutch Chocolate' offers a rich, guilt-free indulgence in the late spring garden. Introduced in 1970 by Schreiner, this mid-century cultivar brings the deep, velvety richness of fine Dutch cocoa to floral form—a color that has captivated gardeners for over half a century.

Visual Characteristics

Cultivar Profile

Growing Notes

Schreiner's 'Dutch Chocolate' (1970) comes from the pivotal early 1970s period when brown and bronze tall bearded irises were achieving mainstream acceptance and quality. Early brown TBs (1950s-60s) often suffered from muddy colors and poor form, but by 1970, Schreiner's program had developed clear, clean chocolate tones with good substance. Cultivars from this era often strike a perfect balance—more refined than 1950s-60s types but retaining the vigor and constitution that can be compromised in extreme modern breeding. 'Dutch Chocolate' has over five decades of proven garden performance. Chocolate/brown irises are uniquely versatile in design—they harmonize with both warm colors (reds, oranges, golds) and cool colors (blues, purples, pinks, whites). They're particularly effective in autumn-themed plantings and "moon gardens" where their deep color provides contrast to pale companions. Plant in full sun for the clearest color development.