Reticulated irises and Dutch irises grow from bulbs, and form clumps. German (bearded) iris are the most commonly-grown irises, and grow from a fleshy rhizome. The "beardless" irises include ...

Why the common name German bearded iris? Another mystery. They are not native to Germany; nor has a lot of breeding been carried out in that country. It is now generally accepted that this is not ...