Iris

The iris, belonging to the genus Iris, encompasses a wide variety of perennial flowering plants from the Iridaceae family, found across temperate zones in Europe, Asia, and North America. Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, these plants brighten gardens with their vivid, fan-shaped flowers and sword-like leaves.

Blossoms: Come in an array of colors—from blues and purples to yellows, whites, and even deep near-blacks; Starters: Growing from rhizomes or bulbs, irises vary in height from 6 inches to 4 feet; Blooms: 1 to 3 weeks during spring or summer; Sunlight: They thrive best in full sunlight and well-drained soil; Zones: Suitable for USDA zones 3 through 9.