>When you said the "Dutch" type of Iris was a more complex variety, >what did you mean. Dear Lee et al; Not quite what I meant to suggest, so let me back up a bit. 1) The genus has 6 subgenera. 3 are bulbous and can be identified easily by bulb, foliage and flower. All of these bulbous subgenera have been proposed as separate genera so all names are given below. General guide below: A) Subgenus Scorpiris (Genus Scorpiris/ Juno) The distinctive features of Junos are the smooth bulbs with a thin to leathery tunic and few thick storage roots, leaves channeled and distichous(two ranked). The larger Junos like I magnifica look sort of like a small corn plant. Standards very reduced, usually. Size variable. 60 or so species. B) Subgenus Hermodactyloides (Genus Iridodictyum) The reticulata irises have a distinctive reticulate bulb covering, leaves square or round in cross section, dwarf stature, flowers mostly typical iris form. 10-12 species C) Subgenus Xiphium (Genus Xiphium) These consist of bulbs with a thin papery tunic, leaves distichous and channeled, but usually long thin and grassy. Size 12-18 inches. Typical iris flowers. 6 or 7 species. 2) Xiphium Iris includes Duth, Spanish, English Iris which are horticultural group names and other, botanical species. The species are rarely grown, more difficult to obtain. All are native to the Iberian peninsula and W. Europe - Mediterranean including north Africa. a- English Iris are selection of I (X) latifolia native to the Spanish-French Pyrenees. Also known as I xiphioides. Prefers damp sites. Numerous named cvs. b- Spanish Iris are selections of I (X) xiphium (or X vulgare) and native to a wide area of Iberian Pen, N. Africa to S. Italy. Numerous named cvs. c- Dutch Iris is a group name for hybrids involving the above two species and cvs and at least one other species , I. tingitana from N. Africa. These hybrids have the widest range of colors and adaptability and are the ones widely grown as cut flowers. Collectively known as I x hollandica. Other species may be involved too and it is easily forced for year round bloom/sale. 3) Cultivation. My opinion only is that because they are seen and so well known from the ubiquitous cut flower Dutch iris ( Wedgewood' is THE Blue one), many people think they must be easy. This does not seem to be the case. Here (Zone 5) all are tender to very tender. I know of one garden where a few in a protected site persist and bloom- at least last I saw them. Generally they are suited to milder climates and Mediterranean conditions should suit most, but their needs are quite variable. I believe we had a discussion in the last year or so remarking on their difficulty in many parts of the US and weedy ease in others. 4) Odds and ends; Some of these in the trade are very prone to virus, but like virused tulips are often quite attractive. Bulbous iris are not under the wing of the AIS so tend to get left out of most of their information -one major exception is SIGNA. Registration is handled by the Royal Dutch Bulb Assoc. There is no Bulbous Iris Society to promote or educate further. Basic info in BIS 'A Guide to Species Iris' 1997 Cambridge U. P. Although Dutch hybrids are easy to locate and cheap, almost all overs are less common and pricier. True species very difficult to obtain. Good luck, but you have a green enough thumb to have success, I'd bet. Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 E-fax 419-781-8594 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +