Paul Black is a much honored hybridizer and formerly co-owner (with Tom Johnson) of Mid-America Iris Garden in Salem, Oregon. In 2024 his Arilbred, AB(OGB-) iris 'Perry Dyer' won the American Dykes Medal which had also won the William Mohr Medal in 2023.

His five Wister Medal winners are, 'Rise Like A Phoenix', TB in 2024, 'Bluebird Of Happiness', TB in 2021, 'Beauty Becomes Her', TB in 2017, 'Money In Your ocket', TB in 2015, and 'Tom Johnson', TB in 2003.

These seven Border Bearded (BB) irises all have won the Knowlton Medal, 'What's New Pussycat' in 2023, 'My Cher Of Happiness' in 2019, 'Ballerina Pink' in 2017, 'Lady Of The Night' in 2014, 'Bundle Of Love' in 2013, 'Crow's Feet' in 2012, 'Fleece As White' in 2011' and 'Go For Bold' in 2007.

His eight Hans and Jacob Sass Medal Intermediate Bearded (IB) winning iris are 'Black Comedy' in 2023, 'Apple Crisp' in 2022, 'Cat In The Hat' in 2018, 'Star In The Night' in 2016, Man's Best Friend' in 2015, 'Dazzling' in 2014, 'Nickel' in 2012, and 'Devil May Care' in 2009.

He has a dozen Standard Dwarf Bearded (SDB) iris winners of the Cook-Douglas Medal, 'Portland Pink' in 2021, 'My Cher' in 2018, 'Open Your Eyes' in 2016, 'Zooboomafoo' in 2015, 'Eye Of The Tiger' in 2014, 'Wish Upon A Star' in 2013, 'Bluebeard's Ghost' in 2012, 'Fires Of Fiji' in 2011, 'Puddy Tat' in 2009, 'Cat's Eye' in 2008, 'Pumpin' Iron' in 1996, and 'Chubby Cheeks' in 1991. 'Chubby Cheeks' was also awarded the Board of Directors Award in 2021.

He has won the Caparne-Welch Medal for the best Miniature Dwarf Bearded (MDB) iris nine times: 'Black Olive' in 2023, 'Elf Esteem' in 2021, 'Beetlejuice' in 2019, 'Cute As A Button' in 2017, 'Dollop Of Cream' in 2012, 'Chemistry' in 2010, 'Dinky Circus' in 2004, 'Cinnamon Apples' in 1996, and 'Spot Of Tea' in 1995.

There have been five Arilbred (AB) irises that have won the William Mohr Medal, 'Perry Dyer' in 2023 prior to winning the Dykes Medal, 'Heart Of Hearts' in 2021, 'Desert Snow' in 2019, 'Brash And Bold' in 2016, and 'Praire thunder' in 1998.

And there is also an Inter-Species Hybrid (SPEC-X) Randolph-Perry Medal winner, 'Dolce' in 2009.

Additionally Paul's irises have earned the Walther Cup for the greatest number of votes in the Honorable Mention voting seven times; the President's Cup once, the Franklin Cook Cup three times, Ben Hager Cup four times, and has had 15 Favorite Guest irises at AIS Conventions.

Paul was also honored by the American Iris Society with the Hybridizer Award in 2002 followed with a Hybridizers Medal Winners feature by Thomas Johnson in the April 2003 AIS Bulletin.

He has also won international competitions, placing first in the Premio Firenze in Florence, Italy, in 2002 for 'Dude Ranch'. He received the Bennett C. Jones Award for Outstanding Median Hybridizing in 2009 from the Median Iris Society (MIS). You can see the MIS summary of his contributions here on their website.

Paul Black was honored by the British Iris Society with the British Iris Society Hybridiser Award in 2022.