Annie it probably prefers a cooler climate, but if you can give it good shade cover and not too dry a situation, it may do well. It doesn't like frosts, but doesn't seem to mind humidity.
The fairy iris is simply a common name, and only one adopted by nurseries. This iris would have to be one of the most misnamed. There is a variety of I. japonica registered as "The Fairy" so it's like using "iceberg" for all roses. (hmmm?) I also see it called fringed iris, dwarf iris, orchid iris, and sadly japanese iris, which it is nothing like :-(
There are a number of registered varieties and a lovely vareigated form, and also several other of the evansia or crested iris subsection to which I. japonica belongs. Iris tectorum is lovely and may grow for you in shade. Iris wattii is often confused with I.japonica, and I. confusa confused with wattii - LOL.
A taller species with lovely bloom is I. milesii - not often seen, and there is the tiny crested iris I. cristata, which I repeatedly manage to kill here.
Sorry to be lengthy but I have just picked up a copy of Gardening Australia and notice a beautiful photo of siberian iris, used to demonstrate information given for dividing bearded iris, and I'm yet again cross to see such nonsense. Just doing my bit for the many beautiful and under-rated irises that exist.

Hi, I just love the bearded irises but they won't grown up here so I've started to collect some Louisana ones. Surely, I've got a chance with those?
From what you've said about it being mis-named, maybe it's not even them to start with...know what I mean?
If you don't mind, I may send you a piccie of them and if you would have a look and tell me if they are Iris Japonica's to start with.
I've done a google search and I'm pretty sure they are...I think! :)))
To me, they look very much like the Dietes Grandiflora...you know, the white and pale blue ones.
thanks,
Annie

I have replied privately Annie, but I forgot to say that - yes it is an Iris japonica, and most likely the variety "the fairy". The flowers are not really that similar to the dietes when you see them close up. They have a sort of fringed beard, or crest down the middle, and grow on a very branched, arching flower stalk, giving the appearance of little orchids. Dietes are much more upright, and the foliage much more dense and grassy. Iris Japonica have foliage very similar to neomaricas which go by the common name of walking iris.

are you still allowed to call them fairy iris, Annie. Did you see that Seaworld has changed the name of its fairy penguins to "little penguins" because it was deemed politically incorrect and possibly offend sectors of society. Similar to black sheep becoming rainbow sheep

oh, my g*d! thanks for telling me Alison.
I wouldn't want to offend any of the little....oops! I mean, vertically challenged people!!

I haven't noticed that Iris japonica exhibit any particular sexual preference. In fact quite the contrary - they seem to be particularly sterile, although some new varieties are being selected from seedlings so the must "Do it" so to speak.
As far as sheep being called rainbow sheep - black is still black, even though my hubby insists that "If I said black was white, you'd say it was green" (he's wrong of course, I would opt for purple). Calling them rainbow sheep might well offend that section of the population which appears to have adopted all the colours of the rainbow rather than just p**k (can I say that colour here?)
The main problem with calling them fairy iris is that it's not even their common name, it's just one adopted recently - most likely in the nursery industry, seeking to suck us in by the pretty name.
Can you still call fairies 'fairies' by the way? Or would faerie be better?

We'd better dig up Tolkein, Jan, and ask him!