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Siberian irises definitely do not need to be around a pond. They will thrive in regular flower borders and make a great addition to beds and borders. They will do as well in a regular garden as the robustas you mentioned, if not better.
Many people are under the impression siberians are picky and need to be grown wet, when , in fact, they are some of the easiest irises to grow. No need to pamper them.
Here's a picture of some of my siberian iris Coronation Anthem grown in a regular garden border, with ornamental grass and catmint.
Good article. I sure wish we had a sale like that here. Our division of the iris society is not very active.
Louisiana Iris also do not need to be in a pond to survive or thrive--regular garden soil slightly on the acidic side is great for them. Frequent winter rain will keep them moist enough, but you may have to water them more in the winter if you live in an area with dry winters. They are hardy at least up to zone 7.
Nice picture, Debbie! Here in zone 6a we can grow Louisianas just fine too. And I grow them in the regular borders and beds. They seem versatile, like the siberians. They can take quite a bit of water, but do super in regular border conditions.I grow the siberians, LAs and bearded in the same beds.
Greg at Iris City Gardens was the one that told me how well the LAs would do up here. He said they should be good to Z5, and possibly Z4 depending on their parentage. And then you, of course, gave me some great info on growing them, and where to buy.
By the way, Japanese will also grow in a regular garden border. Like the others they will take quite a bit of water, but are happy in regular garden conditions.
We are also 6a & there is no problem growing LA although with very sharp drainage an eye should be kept on water for the plants. That doesn't matter this yr. as it has been rain-rain-rain.
