More like a mustache, the bearded iris have a small tuft of hair on the top of their lower petals, which are also known as falls. I think it's safe to say that this group of iris are the most popular. Flamboyant and available in almost every color imaginable, breeders introduce thousands a year, which surpasses the breeding of any other type of iris. I adore them when they're flowering, but find them aggravating afterwards with mushy foliage, leaf spot and borers. Not that I would live without them, in fact every May I think that I must order more for next year. But it might be time to concentrate on the beardless types or clean shaven iris. There are many to consider, iris for dry sun, dry shade, wet places and late bloom.

Popular varieties among the beardless are Siberian iris, Japanese, Louisiana and Japanese roof iris. Siberian iris like it dry, just look at their narrow foliage to confirm (almost like an ornamental grass). The flowers may be half the size of bearded but they are simple yet elegant and plentiful. Breeders are busy here, even introducing a few that rebloom like the bearded. Both Japanese (Iris ensata) and Louisiana iris like it wet. Large of flower, they are spectacular in every iris sense. If you are lucky enough to have a wet spot in your garden give them a try. I find that the Japanese iris are fine with a little shade and the tallest varieties flower in July.

The Japanese Roof iris is actually from China but grows wild in both Japan and China. It's said that the roots were thrown onto thatched roofs where it took hold and grew. I was also told that the fields are reserved for rice growing but this lovely iris was too nice to plow under, so it ended up on the roof. This clean-shaven iris grows in a light shade, is semi-evergreen and has lovely arching foliage. Breeders are at work and apparently struggling to come up with anything new. Still only available in blue or white, either one is worth having, although the white is such a superior plant for the shade gardener. The flowers are held just over the arching leaves which are persistent and problem free, green into December, sometimes longer. Dry shade is fine, even wet shade will do.

Some of the largest flowering iris seem to bloom for a shorter time, which makes me wonder if larger petals collapse earlier? Like for every millimeter/centimeter of petal surface you loose hour or hours (or days) of bloom? Compare a magnolia tree in flower to a cherry tree. In perennials an iris to a salvia. Get my drift? I'm sure there's some research done on this concept, although the science of it is probably over my head. My point in all of this is try some smaller flowering, beardless iris, I think you'll like them.