Alberto, Iris orientalis isn't native of south of Italy, but it has naturalized occasionally here and there. I believe is from Greece and Turkey, probably from areas a bit cooler then true Mediterranean dry summers. Here it will stay partially deciduous in mid summer or evergreen, according with moisture available. On my clumps in partial shade, the flowering stems usually dry out while the seed pods are splitting in late July, but the new fans are evergreen. Bothered from red spides in summer, anyway. best regards Angelo > > Dear Angelo: > Can you comment on how Iris oirentalis behaves in the > wild. Is it without leaves at any time of the year? > > Regards > Alberto >