Irises are wonderful garden plants. The word Iris means rainbow. Irises come many colors: blue and purple, white and yellow, pink and orange, brown and red, and even black.

The genus Iris has about 200 species and is native of North Temperate regions of the world. The habitat of iris also varies a lot. Some irises grow in deserts, some in swamps, some in the cold far north, and many in temperate climates. Bearded Iris and Siberian Iris are two of the most common types of iris grown.

Since Iris is the Greek goddess for the Messenger of Love, her sacred flower is considered the symbol of communication and messages. Therefore the flower iris in the language of flowers symbolizes eloquence. Based on their color, iris conveys varied messages. Purple iris is symbolic of wisdom and compliments. Blue iris symbolizes faith and hope. Yellow iris symbolizes passion while white iris symbolizes purity. A gift of iris can be used to convey many emotions.

Types of Irises

Irises are classified into two major groups: Rhizome Irises and Bulbous Irises. Within those groups are countless species, varieties, cultivars and hybrids, according to the American Iris Society.

Rhizome Irises are thickened stems that grow horizontally, either underground or partially underground. After planting, iris rhizomes produce swordlike leaves that overlap, forming flat fans of green foliage. Three popular irises in this group are Bearded, Beardless and Crested irises.

• The bearded iris has four distinct parts: Standards, Falls, Stigma flaps, Beard
• The beardless variety has : Standards, Falls and Stigma flaps, but usually have crests
• The crested Irises or Evansia Iris: Standards, Falls and Stigma flaps and in addition to a ridge on the falls of the blossom, they have ridges like crests instead of beards

Crested iris are often considered in the same manner as the beardless iris. These plants spread freely by underground stems and produce flat flowers in the shades of blue, violet and white. Often the flowers and leaves are found on bamboo like stems which can vary in height from 5-200 centimeters in height.

Some Interesting Facts about Iris

• Irises come in many forms, shapes, colors and sizes and the sword-like foliage is attractive when the plant is not in bloom.
• The Iris was named after the Greek Goddess who is considered the messenger Love and uses the rainbow to travel. Iris was probably named after the goddess because of the numerous colors it is available in.
• Iris are among the best-known and loved among garden plants. Iris are hardy herbaceous perennials.
• The genus Iris is a large genus of bulbous and rhizomatous perennials.
• The Iris was named after the Goddess of the rainbow because of it's many colours.
• A flower on the Sphinx is considered to be an Iris, and another appears on a bas-relief of the time of the 18th Egyptian dynasty.
• Pliny also knew the Iris and praised its medicinal virtues.
• The Iris was also a favourite flower of the Moslems, who took it to Spain after their conquest in the 8th century.