In my experience irises quickly demand attention for use in a mixed border. I had two plants in a small bed dedicated to daylilies backed up by crocosmia and a handful of annuals scattered throughout the bed. For three years with all plants being young it came to be it seemed a perfect bed with just enough contrast but that fourth spring following I had to remove one iris and split the other. I tend to grow my irises in areas dedicated to only irises now. I can always go back to the old look with smaller starts and transplant them when the time comes. Maybe next year!

I also agree the iris foliage still has nice garden appeal throughout the season with very little maintenance required.

The Iris are still close enough to the other plants to give that cottage garden look but they are grouped in their own section. I find the iris grow better like that.