Daphne, I grow Going Big Time and I really like it. The blooms are large so if that's a problem for you then that may be a negative...but I like it! The beards make a great contrast and it blooms well and seems to be growing well. Flash Of LIght is nice...I like it too, but if I had to choose between them I would keep Going Big Time. I can't help much on the plicatas. Double Shot has not bloomed (at least when I was here to see it, this is it's first year). I really like Jessie's Song...it was one of my first irises and is a prolific bloomer. Out Walking had a small maiden bloom last year, but I missed it's bloom this year so I can't compare between them.
Our summers are usually between 90 and 105 degrees but it can get quite a bit hotter. Max is probably 110 but my bloom is long over by then (Jul-Sept) and the irises have gone dormant during the hot season. They spring back to life when it begins to cool down in the fall.
