I bought Tobacco Chew expressly for the beards. Just got it this year, so haven't seen it bloom here yet.
One of my best surprises this past spring was when Alien Mist bloomed -- first time in my garden. The beards made the flower, and it instantly became a favorite of mine.
Another Iris that bloomed for the first time last spring, and whose beard made the flower was Holly Lane:
That lavender beard against the delicate shell pink of the flower was just enchanting! My pictures don't do it justice.
