These are the Regelia and Oncocyclus irises, coming from the Middle East to central Asia. The tall, slender stems of the regelias each carry two or three flowers with fairly narrow petals, with the standards held upright and distinctive 'beard' on the falls, and with stunning colours and patterns. The 'Oncos' are short plants with broad leaves and huge flowers in an wonderful array of amazing patterns and colour. They require summer dryness and perfect drainage, and are difficult to grow; but the rewards of perseverence are very great.

Iris 'Theseus' has large flowers that look purple, but are basically white, with many prominent purple veins, and the falls are intense purple over most of their area.