Irises are flowering perennial plants with very showy ornamental blooms. This perennial herb (whose varieties Iris germanica, Iris florentina, and Iris pallida produce the herbal ingredient Orris Roothttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orris_root) is grown from either rhizomes or bulbs, and are considered very easy to grow. Irises can be found in many different climates across the world, from North America, to Africa, to Asia, in each case, usually grown as a purely ornamental plant.

The Iris (or Iridaceae) gets its name from the Greek word for "rainbow", and has been long associated with Iris, the Greek Goddess who was a messenger of love. Therefore, if you give someone an Iris plant or flower, you are trying to express communication and/or a special message. Some say the color of the Iris can further detail what you're trying to express: Yellow for passion, blue for hope, and white for purity.http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/mostpopularflowers/morepopularflowers/iris

The most common type of Iris, and arguably one of the more popular kinds, is the Bearded Iris. The "bearded" version of this dazzling flower is grown from a rhizomes and comes in many different colors. They grow well throughout the United States, including ares with milder winters where the Bearded Iris doesn't require a frigid dormancy in order to bloom.http://www.gardenguides.com/242-bearded-irises.html

But whichever type of Iris you choose, you are getting a low-maintenance plant that will add color to your yard or garden. This guide will help you to plant and care for your Irises.

Irises can either be grow in pots or, more traditionally, can be planted in the ground. Potted Irises require a 12" pot. Plant the rhizome so the very top breaks through the surface, and water only when soil is dry to the touch (rot will result otherwise). When the plant begins growth, make sure it is in a bright sunny place (preferably outdoors in warm temperatures). But always make sure to bring your potted Iris indoors during winter. When the Iris has finished blooming, divide.http://www.schreinersgardens.com/about_iris.shtml

If you're planting your rhizomes in the ground, as most gardeners do, follow these steps for planting:

1. Make a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water. Soak each of your Iris rhizomes in the mix for 10 minutes, and then lay out to dry. This accomplishes two things: It wards off rot and kills all Iris borers.http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/123/
2. Pick a sunny planting location and bury the rhizome so that the top portion of it peeks through the soil surface.
3. Amend the planting hole with compost before backfilling the planting hole.
4. Give your newly planted Iris a nice drink of water.