Bearded Iris 'Before the Storm'

‘Before the Storm’ is a tall-bearded iris introduced by Sterling Innerst in 1989, with very dark, nearly black flowers and a slight fragrance. The American Iris Society records midseason bloom on 36-inch (91 cm) stalks, with black beards tipped bronze. [AIS cultivar record](https://wiki.irises.org/TbAthruE/TbBeforeTheStorm) ## Form and display The original AIS entry describes a wide, flaring form, moderate ruffling, and well-branched stalks carrying seven to nine buds. Near-black bloom makes a strong focal point in a sunny mixed border or cutting bed; lighter neighboring flowers help reveal its outline. [AIS cultivar record](https://wiki.irises.org/TbAthruE/TbBeforeTheStorm) · [NC State Extension plant profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-x-germanica/) ## Siting For bearded irises, the American Iris Society recommends at least six hours of direct sun, good airflow, and well-drained soil. Set the rhizome at or just barely below the soil surface, with roots spread downward; avoid standing water. [AIS bearded iris care](https://www.irises.org/gardeners/care-classification/care/) ## Maintenance Water newly planted rhizomes thoroughly while roots establish, then irrigate deeply when the top few inches of soil dry rather than watering shallowly and often. Keep weeds and fallen leaves away from rhizomes, remove spent bloom stalks after flowering, and divide crowded clumps about every three to five years, preferably in July through September. [AIS bearded iris care](https://www.irises.org/gardeners/care-classification/care/)