Evansias are a diverse group, coming to us from various parts of the world. Most have lavender blue or white blooms, with the standards and style crest sitting horizontally above the falls. They are characterised by a crest or fimbriated ridge instead of beards. This is usually yellow, white or speckled yellow or orange.

1. I.Confusa, I formosana, I.japonica, I. wattii.

This closely related group are often confused and misidentified because of their similarity. They are also often misnamed in the nursery trade labelled, being offered as "japanese" "fimbriated" or even "dwarf" iris.

Culturally they like light shade, a moist, well drained, moderately acid soil. They enjoy similar requirements, and make good companion plants for azaleas and camellias. Bloom is prolific, in early Spring, on long divided stalks. A variegated form of I. japonica makes a striking garden subject but is more shy to bloom. All are frost tender and like some shelter.

2. I. tectorum, I. tectorum var alba (from Japan), I milesii (from India).

Widely grown, and more easily identified, the blooms have more upright standards than other Evansias. Their preference is for a slightly more alkaline soil, and full sun, similar to Bearded irises. I. tectorum even likes a little lime. Traditionally I. tectorum was grown on the eaves of houses hence the common name "Japanese roof iris". The rhizomes were dried, ground and used to make the familiar white face make up worn by Japanese women. Delightful blooms are produced in Mid Spring, with the early beardeds. Both are grown easily from seed.

3. I. gracilipes (from Japan) and I. tenuis, I cristata, I.lacustris (all from North America)

These are low growing woodland species. All require moist, cool shade and a rich acid soil. Deciduous trees provide the ideal environment and leaf mulch. They are frost hardy, and produce exquisite blooms in early Spring before they are shaded out by the leaf canopy. Quite frost hardy, these do not do so well in a more humid climate. They may deplete the soil, and require regular transplanting after bloom, when the roots are growing.