And bloom season begins in Southwest, MO!  These little cuties are MDB Iris (Miniature Dwarf Bearded).  At usually only around 6 inches tall, they are the tiniest of irises blooming shortly after the daffodils bloom.  

The dark purple color is fantastic.  Atroviolacea a very old historic from 1856.  It was collected/hybridized by Todaro in 1856.  It gets 5 inches tall.

The little ones can really extend the bloom season for irises by being the first to open up.

Happy Gardening!