>Iris - NOT a genus noted for its beauty of foliage, although there are a few >exceptions (I. confusa and allies, and some of the variegated ones are OK). Dear John et al; I know this is a taboo topic, but I agree pretty much with John. The tatty, down right nasty foliage of most bearded iris during most of the garden season is a serious reason for banishing them from the garden. There are some gorgeous variegated foliage forms of I laevigata (in the pond), I ensata and others. I am fond of the giant tufts of I lactea even out of bloom and as tan features in the winter garden. In spring the foliage pulls off fairly easily as new growth appears. Gardeners often forget that after bloom the foliage can hang around for a long long time and be an eyesore. Hybridizers hardly ever consider foliage characters, or all season garden quality, alas. best Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 E-fax 419-781-8594 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +