Black Gamecock Louisiana Iris (Iris louisiana)

Iris louisiana ‘Black Gamecock’

Deep purple black Louisiana Iris for dramatic pond and bog garden planting

Iris louisiana ‘Black Gamecock’ is one of the most striking marginal pond plants available, known for its rich, velvety blooms that appear almost black in certain light. This standout Louisiana Iris brings bold colour and strong architectural form to pond edges, bog gardens, and damp planting areas.

Flowering from June to July, ‘Black Gamecock’ produces large, luxurious blooms in deep purple tones with a near black appearance. These flowers sit above the foliage on sturdy stems, creating a dramatic focal point that contrasts beautifully with green foliage and lighter coloured plants. It is an excellent choice for adding depth and sophistication to any pond planting scheme.

The foliage is equally impressive, with tall, sword like green leaves that grow in upright clumps. This gives the plant a strong vertical presence, adding height and structure even when it is not in flower. The dense growth also provides shelter for pond wildlife, including frogs and insects, helping to support a balanced ecosystem around your pond.

This Louisiana Iris thrives in moist to wet soils and can be planted directly on pond margins or in shallow water up to around 20 cm deep. It performs best in full sun, which encourages strong flowering, although it will tolerate partial shade. While it is hardy in milder parts of the UK, it benefits from winter protection in colder areas, especially if exposed to prolonged frost.

‘Black Gamecock’ is perfect for those looking to create a bold and eye catching pond display. It works well as a focal plant or when grouped with other marginal plants to create layered, natural planting. Its dramatic colour pairs particularly well with lighter flowers and lush green foliage.

Once established, it is a low maintenance plant that will return year after year, providing reliable colour and structure to your pond or damp garden.

Please note that all parts of the plant are harmful if ingested.

🇬🇧 UK-grown aquatic plant: Grown at a dedicated aquatic plant nursery in the South of England and carefully prepared for delivery across the UK.

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Key Benefits

• Stunning near black flowers for dramatic impact
• Adds height and structure to pond edges
• Ideal for ponds, bog gardens, and damp borders
• Supports pollinators and pond wildlife
• Strong architectural foliage
• Reliable summer flowering display

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Reasons to Buy

• Unique dark coloured iris for standout planting
• Perfect focal point for pond margins
• Easy to grow and maintain
• Great for both modern and natural pond designs
• Long lasting and dependable performance

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Care Instructions

• Plant on a marginal shelf or in wet soil at a depth of 0 cm to 20 cm.
• Position in full sun for the best flowering results, although partial shade is tolerated.
• Cut back foliage after it dies back in autumn to just above the waterline. Alternatively, trim in early spring, taking care not to damage new growth.
• Divide clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding.
• In colder regions, provide some winter protection to help the plant thrive.

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Flowering Period

June to July

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Size and Growing Conditions

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Black Gamecock Louisiana Iris will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.

Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.

To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.

Available basket sizes:

• 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
• Pack of 3 × 1 Litre Baskets – each usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square
• 3 Litre Hexagonal Basket – 18 × 18 × 16cm
• 5 Litre Square Basket – 24 × 24 × 14cm

Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.

Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.

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Similar pond plants

For another pond-edge planting option, compare Double Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus ‘Flore Pleno’) and Bloodwort Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineus). Explore the Iris pond plant group to compare the whole collection.

Explore more marginal pond plants or browse our complete pond plants range. Need baskets, aquatic soil or planting essentials? Browse our pond plant baskets and aquatic planting supplies.