>Dear Jim, > >How much winter rainfall can these irises tolerate? Dear Mary Sue; Depends. The aril species make up more than 1/4 of ALL iris species and the hybrids with garden bearded iris number in the hundreds (thousands). And some of these are bred back to other aril species so you can oncocyclus/regelia hybrids etc. I suggest you try a few different sorts- I stolonifera for a start, and aril-breds that are 50/50, or more onco, or less onco etc. Some are almost bulbous with short rounded rhizomes-others more stoloniferous. One of my favorites - 'Lancer' - has a good Aril look and is among the easiest tolerating a LOT of water in winter/spring here. Best Jim -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +