One of the ironies of this discussion is that, like all characteristics, the aesthetics of iris foliage differs with climate. It looks great throughout 4 seasons in my garden and provides a much-needed sculptural quality that this designer greater appreciates. I tend to grow everything hard, but I think the real reason is the intense high elevation sunlight in Santa Fe. - Barbara Weintraub Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA at 7000 ft. elevation >>Iris - NOT a genus noted for its beauty of foliage, although there are a few >>exceptions (I. confusa and allies, and some of the variegated ones are OK). Jim Waddick: > I know this is a taboo topic, but I agree pretty much with John. > The tatty, down right nasty foliage of most bearded iris during most of > the garden season is a serious reason for banishing them from the garden.