‘October Storm’ is a captivating Tall Bearded Iris that evokes the drama and beauty of an autumn storm. This iris is admired for its rich coloration and often ruffled form, creating a striking presence in the garden.
‘October Storm’ typically features standards (the upright petals) in a deep, rich purple, often described as a near-black or midnight blue. This dark hue creates a sense of mystery and drama, like the gathering clouds of an approaching storm. The falls (the lower petals) often echo this deep purple, but may display subtle variations in shade or markings. Some varieties may have falls that are a slightly lighter shade of purple or blue, or even a deep red or burgundy, adding to the overall dramatic effect.
Adding to the stormy beauty of ‘October Storm’ is the beard, the fuzzy growth on the falls. The beard is often a contrasting color, such as a bright gold or a deep bronze, creating a striking focal point against the dark petals. This contrast adds a touch of brilliance to the otherwise dark bloom, like a flash of lightning in the night sky.
American Iris Society Registration Data
- Description – S. dark violet purple (RHS 77A); style arms plum purple (79A); F. velvety black purple blended pansy; beards violet purple, inner half poppy, violet spoon; ruffled; pronounced musky fragrance. Aaron’s Dagger X Chanted
- Hybridizer & Year of Introduction – George Sutton, 2002
- Classification – Intermediate Bearded
- Bloom Period – Early midseason and reblooming
- Bloom Height – 26″