Black Magic Woman

When I was a kid, my friend's mother adored Juicy Couture velour tracksuits (for those to young, Google it!).  I remember her dancing around her kitchen to a Shakira hit, making us pancakes for breakfast.  Her particular favourite combo was a violet hoodie and dark plum red pants.  Imagine my delight when I found this in flower form in the velvety guise of Black Magic Woman. A really beautiful and much awarded iris.

• Standards: Dark red violet
• Falls: Satiny black and slightly ruffled
• Beards: Persimmon orange
• Frangrance: Only slight
• Height: 86cm
• Bloom time: Early to mid-season 
  
• Hybridiser: Richard Tasco 2008
  
• Awards: Honourable Mention 2010, Award of Merit 2012, Wister Medal 2014 

Why choose it

• Wister Medal winner.  Judged to be the best all-round iris of 2014 by the American Iris Association.
• Dramatic colouring with the striking persimmon beard opening up unusual colour combinations.