Bearded Iris 'Cat's Eye'

'Cat's Eye' is a standard dwarf bearded iris (SDB) registered by Paul Black in 2002. It reaches about 15 inches and blooms in midseason, with a slight spicy fragrance. ## Growing Conditions Choose a sunny, well-drained bed; bearded irises prefer at least a half day of sun, and six or more hours supports flowering in most climates. Plant rhizomes shallowly with their tops exposed and roots spreading downward, then water new plantings while they establish. The [Schreiner planting guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/how-do-i-plant-bearded-iris) and [iris-bed care guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/how-do-i-care-for-my-iris-beds) explain siting and planting. ## Seasonal Interest The standards and style arms are mauve rose; dark-red falls have black texture veining and a wide mauve-rose band. The beards are old gold with violet bases. The [American Iris Society cultivar record](https://wiki.irises.org/Sdb/SdbCatsEye) lists midseason bloom and awards including Honorable Mention (2004), Award of Merit (2006), and the Cook-Douglas Medal (2008). ## Maintenance During bloom, remove spent flowers and stalks after the buds finish. Keep the bed free of weeds and debris so rhizomes receive sun, and divide crowded clumps about every three to five years. See Schreiner's [bearded iris division guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/how-do-i-divide-and-transplant-bearded-iris) for thinning and replanting steps.