Thanks! After reading overall plant descriptions and viewing pictures of the root system, Siberian seems to be the best fit. I'm still confused about what constitutes a leaf midrib after searching the web. Mine have a slight ridge in the middle - flat on the edges and slight thickening in the middle. I've read Lousianas and Siberians are flat while Japanese have pronounced midribs. Yet some pictures of Siberians appear to have what I'd call a midrib. Yes, I'm driving myself crazy with this but what appears to be contradictory information on the web isn't helping! Again thanks so much and maybe that lone flower blooms to help finalize my id.

Natalie, I'm chiming in late, but as far south as you are, you'll likely have better luck with Louisianas than Siberians. Siberians like to get COLD in the winter, and might not do well for you as a result of too little cold. That said, I know folks that grew Siberians perfectly well in zone 7a (central Virginia), but they did mention that not all varieties were happy for them. So you might want to check with local iris societies and see if anyone near you is successfully growing them, and if so, which ones. Louisianas, on the other hand, love heat and humidity! Good luck!

I am growing La. Irises!!!!!!!It took me two years to find what I wanted but I finally got them this spring. I wasn't able to find ANYONE up here in the Buffalo/Niagara area that had a clue about La. Irises. None of the nurseries I had contacted new what they were or where to get them. There are several places online that sell them but they are not cheap. I wanted the species Iris Fulva and not many places carry that one. The La. Irises grow best in wet/boggy conditions and at least part sun and are supposed to be hardy at least to zone 6. Full sun is just a tad too intense for them. I have mine about a foot away from the wettest part of my yard mainly due to winter freeze. They will get plenty of moisture but it drains a little better in that area. This will be the first winter mine have been in the ground so it will be a test. Right now that area is almost waterlogged b/c of all the rain we have had but they seem to be doing fine. Iris City Gardens. in Nashville sells La. Irises and so does Fairweather Gardens in New Jersey. I will have to check my resources as I know there are other dependable retailers. Penny

Yes, they will grow here. They come up fairly early, but are pretty while they last. They aren't a rhizome like a regular bearded iris, but instead are bulbs and will multiply. I had some in my garden a few years ago, but took them out because I had placed them in the wrong place and the bushes grew, so they got hidden. You know how it is - learn as you go.