|Iris are an incredibly diverse group of bulbs and rhizomes, encompassing over 200 species and numerous cultivars. They range widely in cultural requirements, some are drought tolerant, while others require a pond to flourish. Flower color and size vary dramatically as well. Foliage is grass-like or sword-like, and flowers are complex, very showy. The three inner segments(known as standards) are petals, the outer ones(known as falls) are sepals. There are three main categories of irises: bearded, beardless and crested. Bearded iris are the most popular and well known, and come in virtually every color. The iris borer is a serious pest, found east of the Rockies in Canada, south to Washington, D.C. west to Iowa. Small piles of "sawdust" near the iris rhizome, is the sign of iris borer. Where winter temperatures remain above 10F, it is absent or rare. It is a larval form of a moth, the main prevention is a good fall garden cleanup of debris where larva can overwinter.
I. warleyensis a Juno bulbous iris blooms about 5 flowers, pale to deep violet or purple blue, 2 to 3 inches across. White rimmed falls, with cream to yellow crest and a patch in deep violet at the tip and glossy leaves to 8 inches long. Juno irises have fleshy roots so when planting or transplanting, take care not to damage the roots. Grows well in well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline in full sun.