TOD: I love irises and have ever since I was a kid. My old Kentucky home is surrounded by them in all sorts of colors, yellow, powdered blue, purple, bronze and black. The aroma is intoxicating to me.
I tried planting a type of iris in my backyard, but it was too cold for that variety, so they only lasted a couple of years. I haven't tried any others. I do have roses, salvia, morning glory, a Mexican love vine and esperanza in the yard as well as two crepe myrtle trees, which are covered with a lilac colored flower for about five or six months of the year.
My plumbago didn't survive the summer drought, and I need to plant some more. They're a particular favorite.
My friends grow zinnias and they've been giving me some of their great bounty lately. I may try those because they're so beautiful to have around.