Irises comprise many different species that offer a range of plant types, flower colours and sizes that are suited to a range of garden conditions. Irises typically grow from a rhizome and have flat sword-shaped foliage that in some cases is varigated (Dutch Iris hybrids are an exception to this being bulbs rather than rhizomes). Irises have been cultivated for centuries, in part because of their beautiful flowers with 6 petals that generally comprise 3 upright 'standards' and 3 downward 'falls'. Bearded irises are so called because their falls have a distinctive 'beard' towards the base of their petals.
Some irises, such as Louisiana and Virginica irises, are referred to as water or bog irises due to their suitability for wet areas, though they can be grown quite successfuly in containers or normal parts of the garden if the soil is kept moist. Bearded Irises on the other hand prefer full sun and drier conditions.