Iris cristata would probably do fine in your moister shade area.

african iris and walking iris do better in dry shade.

I doubt if either African or walking iris could overwinter outdoors in zone 5, but I could be misinformed.

Laurie

Those iris cristata look really nice. That size is ideal. I just looked them up on Dave's Garden: available from Lazy S Farm and Niche Gardens. Any other sources I should look at? I was hoping for something in a dark purple, but otherwise may get the white. The garden I want them for has silver/purple leaved heuchera; the iris would be behind the heuchera. It looks like they are offered potted rather than as rhizomes; which is new to me. Are these good spreaders?

The other ones I have not heard of before; I will go look.

Just checked on the african iris and walking iris; both are only hardy to Zone 8.

I find iris aphylla to be quite shade tolerant. Here's a picture of one from Iris Colorado. Iris Colorado has quite a collection of species iris. The owner is very good about answering questions, and he could probably lead you to some other iris.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1015737}}

My iris pallida bloomed very well in the moister shade conditions you describe but it might have been getting more than two hours of sun - in late afternoon. I moved some to another, drier spot in semi-shade where it will have no direct sun early in the morning and then all afternoon - I am curious if it will bloom there.

Japanese roof iris, Iris tectorum, might work for you. I have seen both purple and white flowers.

Kristi

Greetings All...

I had some japanese iris (iris ensata) in both shade and sunny areas...while it's easier to keep the irises damp (japanese iris don't like dry soil) in the shady areas, they didn't bloom-nice folage, no blooms. The iris I have in the sun, well mulched and watered almost daily bloom.
I think even bog irises need at least a half day of sun.

I've never had any luck with any of my irises in the shade, they might put out the leaves but they never bloom for me.