Bearded Iris 'Late Hours'

Late Hours is a tall-bearded iris registered by Schreiner in 2017, with a 33-inch stalk and midseason bloom. Its dark velvet-purple standards, black-purple falls and red beards create a nearly black-and-violet display with a bright warm accent. [AIS cultivar record](https://wiki.irises.org/TbKthruO/TbLateHours) ## Flower and placement This named cultivar suits the middle of a sunny mixed border or an iris bed, where its dark falls stand out against lighter flowers or foliage. The American Iris Society records the bloom timing in the iris season rather than assigning a fixed calendar month. ## Site and planting Schreiner's recommends at least six hours of sun for most irises, with some shade useful in very hot climates. Use well-drained garden soil; plant the rhizome shallowly with its top exposed and roots spread down into the soil. [Bearded iris planting guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/pages/how-do-i-plant-bearded-iris). ## Maintenance Remove spent stalks after flowering while leaving healthy leaves through summer. Divide crowded clumps about every three to five years; Schreiner's suggests July through September according to local conditions and planting at least six weeks before hard frost. Water new divisions well and continue during prolonged dry weather as roots establish. [Iris bed care](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/pages/how-do-i-care-for-my-iris-beds). [Division guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/pages/how-do-i-divide-and-transplant-bearded-iris).