I planted Dutch Iris early in the spring one year. They put on a beautiful show that year, but did not overwinter and did not come back the next year. I was later told that although they are suppose to be perennials in zone 5, they are not in my area. All zone 5's are not created equal.

I planted a few dutch iris bulbs two years ago. the first year I just got skinny looking leaves. this year it looks like I may get flowers....the leaves are bigger and taller....so I am thinking they just take a couple of years to settle in...

susan Bachmann....I just uploaded a picture of my very first iris...dutch that I planted two years ago. they were bulbs from Walmart, so who knows, it just took longer. I am thrilled!

You will never get the flower power from Dutch iris that you do from bearded iris or other spring bulbs; assuming you get anything at all. I have successfully grown them beside a pond in zone 5 Michigan (I'm pretty sure the pond was critical, couldn't grow them elsewhere in my gardens) and in my current 6b gardens; but it has always been plant 10 get 3 or 4. Personally I grow a couple because I like the look of them but not really for any other reason; they just don't like winter. They last maybe 2 years. The plants are scrawny and don't get bigger.

lezro....thank you for your input. wondered why my dutch iris just weren't cutting it!! I have now branched out to Siberians, roof, Louisiana, Asiatic and twice blooming bearded.....let's see which one will do the best for me here in nc....................doing a lot from seed. need patience!