Beckoning — an impressive standard dwarf bearded iris (SDB) bred by Thomas Johnson, presented by Mid-America Garden in 2013. The variety has been awarded Honorable Mention in 2015 and Award of Merit in 2018, confirming its reputation as one of the strongest dark SDB varieties of its decade. Compact flower stalks of 38 cm are ideal for the front edge of a flower bed, rock garden, and small compositions.

The flower is built on a bold contrast. The upper petals and style arms open with deep purple, while the lower petals go into an almost black tone, leaving only a light white spot-«beam» around the beard. Bright yellow beards flare up in the heart of the flower like a small torch — this clash of colors gives the variety a theatrical character. A sweet aroma is noticeable on quiet spring days.

Beckoning blooms at an average time for SDB — in central Russia, this is mid-May. In a couple of seasons, the variety forms a dense curtain; divide every three to four years. In compositions, it looks good with white SDB irises and golden heuchera or low chartreuse milkweeds, emphasizing the yellow beard, or next to pink carnations for a romantic contrast. Plant in the sun, in drained, poor soil, with the rhizome near the surface of the ground.