Some irises before bloom...

Here's a classic example of why Iris aphylla contributes such branching to its descendants. This is either Iris aphylla 'Wine Red' or Iris aphylla 'Transylvania Native' - I'll be sure of which when the blooms open. Note also the nice purple spathes around the flower buds.

 

 Here are four of my best seedlings for purple foliage bases. Still have a long way to go to get all purple...

 

The variegated form of Iris pallida that is always catching people's eye.