Are there any irises that can be grown in shade?

Question:

Are there any irises that can be grown in shade?

Answer:

Most iris species (bearded, Siberian, Japanese, etc.) perform best when grown in partial to full sun.  However, the crested iris (Iris cristata) prefers partial shade.  A native of the eastern United States, crested iris produces 4- to 6-inch-long leaves from woody, spindle-shaped rhizomes.  Flowers are pale blue to violet with white or yellow crests on their falls.  Plants bloom in mid-spring.  It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8.  Because of its small size, crested iris should be grown in the front of perennial beds and borders.  It can also be grown as a groundcover in partial shade.