Have you checked out the alphabet on this forum? Lovely photos and sometimes a comment on growing habits

If you are really new, you might consider some of the older, historical varieties as they are more tolerant of water, shade, etc. If you are friendly, walk around your neighborhood and see what is flourishing. If it flourishes for your neighbors, it will likely for you as well. Then, strike up a conversation and as for a bit the next time they are dividing it (that's the friendly part). If your area has a plant exchange, that's a great place as well to find older and robust types.

How exciting! You're gonna love iris. :) I second the thoughts of posierosie - older, well-established cultivars are probably a good place to start. I would also suggest you look at a variety of heights - the dwarfs bloom earlier than the tall beardeds, and the siberian even later, extending your bloom period over several weeks. If you see anything you like on the alphabet threads, please feel free to ask questions!

Great idea to have different heights!

You can also search for a local grower to your area. Best chance that they would have something that thrives in your zone too. Try superstition iris gardens, bluebird haven iris garden, mid American iris, or Schriners. They all are on the west coast.

Thanks guys! I ended up with Indian chief...we'll see how he does. Seems to get great reviews!