Iris

Named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, the iris has been called the "poor man's orchid" because it is exotic yet low maintenance, inexpensive and can be grown in the back garden.

The seductive beauty of this flamboyant perennial has made the iris second in popularity in the US and Great Britain only to the rose.

This illustrated guide tells beginning and experienced gardeners all they need to know to cultivate many different varieties - but focuses mainly on the myriad of bearded, beardless and bulbous irises (including rebloomers).