Iris may be rhizomatous or bulbous perennials, with narrowly leaves and erect stems bearing flowers with 3 large spreading or pendent fall petals, alternating with 3 erect, often smaller, standard petals, in late winter, spring or early summer
I. japonica is a rhizomatous perennial forming fans of glossy evergreen foliage. Branched stems to 45cm bear white or pale blue flowers 4-5cm in width, the fringed falls spotted with deep purple, with orange crests