Iris

My irises are mostly limited to Siberians. I'd love to expand and get more types at some point. Not a big fan of the German bearded type (ugly foliage and too much work for me), but there are other species I'd like to try.

Siberian Iris

Siberians will grow in very damp soil near a pond, but will also do fine in regular garden conditions if kept well watered. They grow slowly and rarely need division or care. Unlike bearded iris, the foliage continues to look good after blooming.

• Iris sibirica ‘Blue Pennant’ - a short blue-purple iris
• Iris sibirica ‘Dear Delight’ - lovely pale lavender blue
• Iris sibirica 'Ruffled Velvet'
• Iris sibirica 'Teal Velvet' - dark blue tetraploid iris (vigorous growth, extra large flowers)
• Iris sibirica ‘Windwood Serenade’ - dark purple mauve

Siberian Iris 'Blue Pennant'

Species Iris

• Iris cristata (Dwarf Crested Iris) - diminutive little guy that blooms very early. I love this iris. It is a woodland species that likes humusy soil and part shade. The foliage is a lovely light green color, and it remains fresh looking all season. The blooms are tiny (less than one inch across), but of such an arresting cool blue color that they carry across the garden. It is "crested" because of the soft fuzzy crests on the falls.

Iris cristata (Dwarf Crested Iris)

• Iris tectorum album (Roof Iris) - a white-flowered form of the (usually blue) iris said to have been grown on thatched roofs in Asia.

Bulbous Iris

• Iris reticulata 'Clairette' - a super early blooming bulb for sunny, well-drained situations such as a rock garden. Blooms together with crocus. This cultivar has lovely coloration: shades of pale and indigo blue with white and yellow markings.

Iris reticulata 'Clairette'