Devil May Care (Black, 2000) IB HM AM SM

Devil May Care is a striking intermediate bearded iris introduced by Paul Black in 2000, growing about 22 inches tall and blooming late in the season. The standards and style arms are a deep purplish black, standing above rich black falls that give the flower a bold, velvety appearance in the garden. A vivid orange beard provides dramatic contrast against the dark petals, and the blooms carry a pronounced sweet fragrance. Bred from a complex lineage and crossed with Tom Johnson, this distinctive dark iris quickly gained recognition. Devil May Care received the Honorable Mention in 2002, the Award of Merit in 2006, and the prestigious Sass Medal in 2009, one of the highest awards for intermediate bearded irises.