The ‘Midnight Treat’ Iris is a popular cultivar, classified as a Tall Bearded Iris (TBI). This group is distinguished by its large, ruffled blooms and the fuzzy “beard” along the lower petals. Gardeners often seek this cultivar for its unique visual presence, which provides a striking contrast in garden borders and floral arrangements.
Identifying the Midnight Treat
The ‘Midnight Treat’ is known for its deep color saturation, which creates the illusion of a near-black bloom, distinguishing it from standard purple varieties. The flower is a bitone, featuring mid-purple standards (the three upright petals) and velvety purplish-black falls (the three drooping petals). These falls exhibit a deep color, sometimes described as RHS 202A, creating a dark presentation.
The flower’s texture is ruffled and velvety. Its beard, the fuzzy line extending from the throat of the falls, is dark purple or purplish-black, contrasting subtly with the falls. This cultivar typically reaches a height of about 36 inches (91 centimeters), making it a prominent presence in the garden. The bloom period occurs from early to midseason (mid to late spring).
Essential Cultivation Requirements
Optimal performance requires placement in a location that receives full sun, although the plant can tolerate partial shade. Full sun exposure (at least six hours of direct light daily) is preferred because it encourages vigorous growth and abundant flower production. The plant is well-suited for a wide range of climates, demonstrating hardiness across USDA Zones 4 through 9.
Soil type is the most important factor for cultivation, as bearded irises rely on a specialized root structure called a rhizome. The soil must be well-drained, as the fleshy rhizomes are susceptible to rot if they remain in soggy conditions. To ensure proper drainage, gardeners often amend heavy clay soils with organic matter or grow the iris in raised beds.
When planting the bare root rhizome, position it horizontally just at the soil surface or with the top half slightly exposed. Planting the rhizome too deeply is a common mistake that prevents flowering and increases the risk of fungal disease. Once established, the plant is tolerant of dry conditions, but moderate watering is beneficial during active growth and the flowering season.
Regular maintenance involves dividing crowded rhizomes every few years to prevent overcrowding, which diminishes bloom quality and plant vigor. This division is best performed in the late summer or early fall after the flowering period has concluded. Separating the clumps ensures that each section has enough space and nutrients to produce strong flower stalks.
History and Development
The ‘Midnight Treat’ cultivar was introduced in 2006 by Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, a prominent name in iris breeding. Breeders focused on achieving new levels of color saturation, which is evident in this cultivar’s deep, near-black pigmentation. The complex parentage, including the cross of a seedling from ‘Black Butte’ and ‘Dark Passion’ with ‘Brazilian Holiday,’ illustrates the intentional breeding toward dark hues.
The cultivar received an Honorable Mention award from the American Iris Society (AIS) in 2008. This designation confirms its merit and desirability within the iris community shortly after its introduction. The development of ‘Midnight Treat’ represents a continued effort in iris hybridization to push the boundaries of color, particularly in the dark purple and near-black spectrum.