Growing Bearded Irises: Named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Irises are majestic flowers that have been developed into an amazing array of colors, with upright sword-shaped foliage that adds elegant texture to the garden even after flowers have passed. “Standards” are the upright petals, and “falls” are the name for the lower petals. Bearded Irises are surprisingly easy to grow, with late spring blooms that bridge the gap from spring into summer. They are deer resistant, rabbit resistant, and drought-resistant, making them a great choice for low-maintenance gardens. Bearded Irises grow vigorously from rhizomes - an irregularly shaped bulbous root that grows at a right angle from the foliage. Over time, the rhizomes will spread and multiply, delivering even more Bearded Iris blooms to your garden as the years pass.