There are two types of iris, those with bulbs and those with rhizomes. Among the bulbous irises is the familiar Iris reticulata that flowers from winter to late spring. Some common irises have 'beards', a set of hairs on one of the lower petals. With or without beards, irises are very attractive.

Most of them like fairly dry conditions, but some, such as the Louisiana iris, like to have their feet in water. There is another group of 'water irises' that like damp conditions around the edges of ponds.


Best With:
Short-stemmed irises are often well displayed amid a mass of Poached-egg flowers (Limnanthes douglasii). For more ideas, check out the features on the Traditional Garden and Japanese Garden Style.