In the past few months, I’ve photographed several different types of irises – wild irises, dwarf irises, bearded irises, and a few different irises from around the world.

These photos of Anomatheca laxa were taken at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, DC. Also known as False Freesia, Anomatheca laxa is native to South Africa and is hardy to zone 8A in the United States. I really liked the look of the delicate flowers on these plants.

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

I photographed another South African iris – Dietes Grandiflora – at Longwood Gardens. I just love the combination of the yellow, purple and white in these irises.

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

Finally, an iris tectorum photographed at the National Arboretum. Native to China, and known as the Japanese Root Iris, the petals on the iris tectorum are fascinating from any angle.

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins

(c) 2009 Patty Hankins