If memory serves, Iris (tall bearded) fills in a gap between the end of Spring bulbs and the start of summer perennial blooms. I believe that Iris and peonies often bloom together and are a great combination.

If you are planting your tulips as an annual, then plant at the front and pull when finished blooming. If you are using a variety that perennializes well, you might consider using other perennials that emerge later in front to help hide the dying foliage. I'm not certain I would suggest Iris for this role, but it might work fine.

What if you are planting tulips as a perennial? And thanks for the idea with peonies, I might just go with that instead!

In very few areas of the United States (assuming location...since you don't say), do tulips perform well for more than a couple of years.

There are some tulips that are better than others....Kauffmanniana,Darwin, etc. are some varieties that are named varying degrees of success. But yeah, for the most part mostly annuals here in the USA.

Here is a great thread about Iris companions (part 1 & 2). These photos are luscious, try not to drool on your keyboard!

Part 1

Part 2

Thread asking what else to plant with Iris:

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/2947766/what-else-to-plant-with-irises?n=4

Darwin hybrid tulips are pretty good perennializers here in Zone 5, but some cultivars more than others. The appledoorns are great for returning. My iris and tulips do not bloom together. Have a look at some miniature dwarf bearded iris - they're the earliest to bloom. But be sure to plant them in front of the tulips!

By the way, I adore peonies. Can't go wrong pairing them with tulips, if you ask me! :)

Is it just me or are bearded irises pretty expensive compared to Dutch irises? If so why is that? I am in Canada by the way.

I've noticed that...my assumption is that the buyers realize that BI are perennials and spreaders, and you likely won't be buying the same thing again (unlike DI).

Yeah, where I live you can get 50 DI bulbs for the price of 1 BI rhizome. I've heard that DI numbers dwindle, is that true? How fast do BI multiply generally?