Is there any kind of search term I can use? Most of the descriptions of irises say zone 3 but that is basically useless. Could I search this forum?

What exactly do you mean by "hardy" ? Live anywhere, regardless of cold ? Always blooms, no matter what ? Bullet -proof as far as disease, and insect pests ?..

Or could mean "survive through wind and rain" which many do not.

Caitlin, there are no "hardiness" search terms in most details or records given on these plants. Might be nice to have some info on survivability under various conditions. The hardiness zone of the USDA is not a great indicator. I lose more from a warm spell in winter causing growth start followed by hard freeze/thaw cycles than those in colder zones with a snow covering that protects the plants.

It would be nice to list irises in your zone that thrive and are not prone to disease, good bloomers, etc. There are so many zones represented here that it would be difficult I suppose. I love it when someone points out the floriferous nature or disease resistance of
certain irises. I guess that is what she is asking to search for.

I want to find more that are not prone to rot, that will last for years in my garden. Yes, some winters are worse than others, but there are still some irises that survive for years. I am sure these are different in all parts of the world.

My Fabians have survived Maine winters for over 100 years. I think we have gone from zone 4 to 5b/6a in the last 50 years. Fabian never knocks over and will fill a huge space if not thinned.

A rescue of Mary Frances was of a clump in place for over 7 years, bound by concrete on all sides forcing growth on top of each other. When all dug and separated I found not one sign of rot. Great sized blooms, good show and no rot in subsequent years of blooming. I will be leaving many clumps behind when I move.
Gypsy Queen is another that seems to be very hardy. I have around 7 clumps and no signs of problems. Again the new owners will "benefit" from them. I just hope they like irises.
And there is Lent A Williamson, another very hardy and prolific one.
And Spartan, Saturday Night Live, Dusky Challenger, and more.

A measurable characteristic would be great, but all seem to be somewhat subjective when it comes to hardiness, with lots of variables.

I think they welcome comments on the individual irises in the data base. I guess it would be up to us to make some comments about them so others would know how well they did in our areas.

I typed "sturdy iris" in the search and a number of references popped up.