This genus, traditionally, has been a big one in the world of herbaceous perennials. They are prized for their interesting and colorful blooms in the late spring and early summer.

In past decades, available varieties and cultivars were mostly in shades of violet, purple and blue but there are now a wide range of colors for iris blooms.

Traditionally, the most common iris in the home garden was the tall, bearded or "German" iris that graced many landscapes. Siberian iris have also been of value for smaller spaces or near ponds and wet places.

Most irises originate from rhizomes in the soil. A few such as Iris reticulata emerge from bulbs and are a valued addition to the early spring garden. Most other members of this genus are summer blooming. Recently, several "re-blooming" types have been more common on the market which enable the gardener to extend their enjoyment of this wonderful group of plants.